Compeer | Friends make a difference

The Compeer Program recruits, trains and supports volunteers who provide regular, friendly companionship for people living with mental health issues (‘companions’).

People can be referred to the Program if they have ongoing contact with a mental health professional. Compeer staff carefully match companions with a Compeer-trained volunteer who is the same gender, and similar in age.

Most companions referred to this program have become very isolated and lonely due to the effects of mental illness (which is often called “the loneliest illness”). Can you imagine life without friendship?

Mental illnesses attack a person’s sense of ‘self’, making it hard to reach out to others, or to maintain existing friendships. Compeer volunteers can assist their companion to bridge the friendship gap, building social skills and self esteem to enhance wellbeing.

• Becoming a Compeer advisor
• Becoming a Compeer volunteer
• Becoming a Companion
• International Program
• What people say