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What is Compeer?

The Compeer Program, a volunteer program that is part of an international service, matches volunteers and chronically mentally ill clients in a one-to-one relationship. A compeer is an equal, a companion, a peer.

The Compeer volunteer befriends the client and fosters a supportive relationship. The caring friend can help restore joy and hope to a life that is often filled with loneliness, failure, fear, and loss of self-esteem. What is involved in the Compeer relationship? The Compeer volunteer makes a one-year commitment to spend time with the client one-to-two hours a week. The nature of the weekly contact will depend on the client's needs. The volunteer and client may make shopping trips together, visit a museum, go to a movie, take a walk in the park, go out to eat, or talk by phone. The relationship is supervised by the client's therapist and the Compeer Program coordinator. How is one prepared to be a volunteer?

All Compeer volunteers are instructed in the dynamics of the special relationship. Before an appropriate match is made, the volunteer meets with the referring therapist. How does one volunteer? It's easy. Simply call (212) 632-4684. How are clients referred? The therapist can call (212) 632-4684.