Form a friendship that will change a life!

Joy. And wonder. Laughter. And caring. These are the rewards shared by COMPEER volunteers and the men, women and children they befriend.

The COMPEER Program matches compassionate volunteers with adults and youth receiving therapy for mental illness. Many are socially isolated, lacking the comfort and reassurance they need to fight “the loneliest illness in the world.”

You can fill that void. In just an hour each week, you can bring someone from lonely darkness into sunshine. And you can make a friendship that will change a life.

COMPEER volunteers come from all walks of life, from all races, age groups and religions. They engage in a one-on-one relationship that means the world to some very fragile people. Volunteers provide support and a growing sense of self-esteem through personal visits and shared experiences, from attending movies and concerts, to taking a walk in the park.

Each relationship between a COMPEER volunteer and their COMPEER friend is based on preference and mutual interest and monitored by experienced COMPEER staff.

Don’t miss the opportunity to form a COMPEER friendship.
1. Call or write for a COMPEER application.
Once you complete the application and return it, we’ll set up an interview to discuss your interests, and the activities you’d like to do with your COMPEER friend.
2. Select your special COMPEER friend.
You can choose a friend that you’ll enjoy spending time with. We’ll set up a Compeer training session, and a meeting with the mental health professional who’s been working with your COMPEER friend.
3. Meet your new COMPEER friend.
There are lots of things you can do with a COMPEER friend. You can shop or see a movie, have lunch together or just walk in the park. COMPEER also provides activities where you can meet other volunteers and their friends.

Compeer Niagara for Adults
Compeer Niagara for Adults matches trained volunteers in a one-on-one friendship relationship with men and women receiving mental health services. Compeer nurtures recovery through friendships and recreational, social and educational opportunities.

Compeer Niagara for Youth
Compeer Niagara for Youth matches referred children one-on-one with a screened and trained volunteer to be a friend and role model to them. The program provides respite time for parents, educational workshops and access to the Mental Health Association’s comprehensive information and referral services, as well as family recreational activities.

Compeer participants/consumers: ask your mental health professional to refer you to Compeer Niagara. Call 433-3780 to request referral forms.