If you need to vent to someone, you may want a chance to say what happened without receiving a list of solutions. Let’s Just Talk OK offers booked phone conversations with a Community Befriender you choose. You can talk about what is bothering you and explain that you would like someone to listen.
Calls are for adults aged 18 and over. You book online, then your befriender rings you from our office number at the arranged time. The prices are £30 for 30 minutes and £45 for 60 minutes. This is a paid conversation service, not an instant helpline or counselling service.
If you would like to explore other kinds of conversation too, visit Someone to Talk to for an overview of our phone calls.
When you want to let off steam
Perhaps a work conversation has annoyed you, a plan has fallen through, or you have had a day full of small frustrations. You might have already explained the facts to somebody and still want to say how the experience was for you.
A booked conversation gives you time with someone outside the situation. Your befriender is not your colleague, relative or friend, so you do not have to ask someone in your own circle to listen to an account involving people they know.
You do not need to prove that your concern is serious enough. Everyday frustrations can be a topic of conversation. Equally, you do not have to use the whole call to discuss one thing. You can move to a lighter subject whenever you wish.
“I want to be heard, rather than fixed”
You can say that directly at the beginning. For example: “I’d like to talk about something frustrating, and I’m not looking for advice.” Your befriender can listen, respond and ask questions to understand what you mean without turning the call into coaching.
You do not have to speak in a perfect order. Start with the part that feels easiest to explain, give some background if you want to, or say that you are finding the words as you go. There is no presentation to prepare.
Our article on venting when you want to be heard explores this distinction. If the appeal is speaking to someone outside your daily life, you can also read talking to a person you do not know. Neither is required reading before a call.
A conversation with someone outside the situation
Your befriender hears the account you choose to give. They are not there to investigate another person, decide who is right, diagnose someone or provide a professional judgement about what happened.
You can talk about your own experience without sharing other people’s full names, contact details, workplace information or private records. You decide how much background is useful and which details you would rather leave out.
A call is a conversation between two people. You can express frustration while keeping the conversation respectful. Booking time does not turn a befriender into a mediator, a representative who will contact somebody for you, or a professional adviser.
What this service can and cannot provide
We offer friendly phone conversation and listening. We do not offer therapy, counselling, medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or crisis support. A venting call does not replace professional help when that is what you need.
There is no guarantee that talking will change the situation or make you feel a particular way. You are paying for a scheduled conversation, not a promised emotional result. Your befriender will not supply a treatment plan or tell you what decision to make.
If you are unsafe or need urgent support, please use Need help now?. Do not wait for an available booking. For a broader explanation of the offer, see our listening service by phone.
Choose the amount of time you would like
- 30 minutes costs £30. Half an hour is set aside for your conversation.
- 60 minutes costs £45. Choose a longer appointment if you would like more time.
Both options are telephone calls. You choose your Community Befriender and an available appointment in the calendar. There is no video meeting to join, and no promise of immediate availability.
If you are unsure which length to choose, consider how much time you would like to set aside. You do not need to invent additional topics to fill a longer booking or choose the longer option because you think your concern sounds more important.
How to book your venting call
- Open the booking page.
- Choose your call length, befriender and an available time.
- Enter your details and the telephone number you want us to ring.
- Check the appointment and pay by card through Stripe.
- Keep your confirmation email and be ready for the call at the booked time.
Your befriender calls from our office number. You can check the full process on How It Works and find common booking answers in the FAQ. Changes and cancellations through the customer panel are subject to the 24-hour notice terms.
Privacy and what to share
Calls are not recorded. Booking details are still needed to arrange the service, and befrienders may make written notes. No audio recording does not mean no information is kept.
Confidentiality has limits, including legal requirements and concerns about harm. Please read the customer terms rather than assuming absolute secrecy. Choose somewhere you can hear comfortably and speak with the privacy you need.
Before the call, check your phone is charged and your booking number is correct. You can write down a starting sentence, but you do not have to. “I’ve had a frustrating day and would like someone to listen” is enough to begin.
Book a conversation on your terms
If you would like a booked phone call to let off steam, choose your befriender and a time. Calls cost £30 for 30 minutes or £45 for 60 minutes, for adults aged 18 and over. You decide what you would like to talk about.
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