Compeer is a non-clinical program that provides social supports to adults living with mental health challenges. Compeer aims to reduce stigma around mental illness, reduce loneliness and isolation and support wellbeing through friendship.
Become a Compeer Volunteer
Our volunteers report:
- Enjoying making a difference
- Increase empathy
- Personal growth
- More awareness of the challenges facing people with mental illness
- Learning the value of true friendship
Refer a client
Mental health professionals who are providing long term services such as treatment or counseling can also refer to our Compeer program.
ELIGIBILTY REQUIREMENTS
- Age 18 and up
- Primary diagnosis is mental health and is currently stable
- Currently in counseling or treatment
- Lack of social supports or difficulty accessing social life connections
- Does not have thoughts to harm themselves or others & is not currently abusing alcohol or any substances
- Desire to participate
REFERRAL SOURCE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Available to answer questions to help determine the most successful match for a client and volunteer.
- Available to discuss issues of concern throughout the duration of the match.
- Notifies Compeer of any changes in client’s mental health, mental health provider, or contact information.
- Notifies Compeer if they end services with the client, whether matched or waiting.
- Provides a secondary mental health professional contact if they will not be the primary point of contact For Compeer.
- Completes the annual compeer survey of all referred clients who are matched.
Why the Compeer Model Works.
Clients reengage in the community.
Interacting with individuals outside the treatment context and diversifying social networks increases community integration.
Isolation shrinks, self-worth expands.
Rich, mutually beneficial friendships help clients become more outgoing and sociable, increasing their self-worth and feelings of empowerment.
Social supports build confidence.
Volunteers often encourage clients to try more and increase their activities improving their self-esteem and their self-confidence.
Meeting a basic need.
Freely given friendship and belonging to a community are regarded as basic human rights related to social justice.
