It's As Easy As Being a Friend

The Compeer Program brings sensitive individuals

and mental health consumers together in a one-to-one friendship.

    Compeer

                A PROGRAM OF 

Mental Health Association 

                         in Orange County, Inc.

What is Compeer?   Compeer is a program that matches individuals who have a mental illness in a one-to-one friendship with community volunteers. This program is the only one of it's kind in Orange County.  Compeer helps to bridge the gaps of services already in place for individuals with mental illness because they feel unsure of what to say or how to react.  Families may feel overwhelmed and frustrated when assisting their loved one who are coping with mental illness.  Emotional withdrawal or lack of friendship/family can contribute to loneliness and isolation.

How is Compeer Helpful?   By sharing in a Compeer friendship, the mental health participant can be assured a steady, caring companion who will be a source of understanding, support, enjoyable outings and sunshine on a rainy day.  The community volunteer will get the self-satisfaction of knowing they are helping someone in need just by being a friend.

How Compeer Works

        A.  Volunteers from all races, age groups, religions and walks of life call the Compeer office 

                 for an application

           B.  Mental Health consumers are referred to Compeer by their caseworker, therapist or other

                 mental health professionals.

           C.  Compeer requires three personal references for volunteers.

           D.  Compeer staff interviews, trains, and matches volunteers with a friend that shares similar interests

                 and hobbies.

           E.  The volunteer, Compeer staff, consumer and therapist meet together to help the first meeting feel 

                 comfortable for everyone and to plan an activity.

What Do Compeer Friends Do Together?  Compeers agree to get together four hours a month in activities they both enjoy.  Some possible activities include:

Eating out, Movies, Shopping, Museums, Hiking, Concerts, Playing cards-games, Plays, Spring Events, Bingo, Visits to the library, Picnics, Bowling, Holiday Parties, Visiting each other's homes.

How Often Will You See Your Friend?   The friends agree to visit with each other for at least four hours a month for one year.  It is the volunteer's discretion and time schedule which may allow longer and more frequent visits. However, Compeer records show that the visits typically last an average of 2 1/2 hours a week depending on the activity.  Together friends decide when to meet and what to do according to their mutual interests.  

Enjoyment of each other's company is the key to the relationship. It's not what you do together but the sharing and building of a friendship that is important.

Webster's Dictionary defines

Compeer- n: Equal,

Companion, Match, Peer

Friendship is Powerful Medicine  All of us know that occasionally someone befriends us and touches our lives.  That someone cares about our well-being without expecting anything in return.  Because they believe in us, we are encouraged to believe in ourselves.