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Compeer Friendship Program
Compeer is an award-winning program that links adults living with a mental health challenge with friendship from a volunteer. The aim of the program is to reduce social isolation, explore possibility in social and emotional, while combatting the stigma attached to mental health.
How we help
Compeer is a befriending program that links adults living with a diagnosed mental illness (Compeer participants) with volunteers in the community. The aim of the program is to increase participants’ social connection and community participation as well as improve participants’ wellbeing and quality of life through social connections.
The match between a Compeer participant and volunteer provides the participant with access to social activities, a caring friend and a link to community resources. Most activities involve just the volunteer and the Compeer participant. Compeer hosts bi-monthly get-togethers and activities for all matches to attend.
Compeer participants and volunteers meet for a minimum of 4 hours per month for 12 months. After 12 months, the volunteer and participant may continue their friendship outside the Compeer program. In recognition of friendships sometimes taking a bit longer to develop and flourish, the continuation in the program for another 12 months can be considered.
Who do we support?
Compeer supports people in the ACT aged 18+ who are currently receiving clinical management for a diagnosed mental health condition. Compeer participants have a desire to meet a new friend. They are committed to investing the time and effort needed to nurture and grow a friendship with another adult.
If you’d like to be considered for the Compeer Program, read more about the eligibility criteria, referral process and waiting lists on the referrals page.
Compeer volunteers
Compeer volunteers are people who come from all walks of life and who have a desire to give back to the community. Some of our volunteers are looking to make their own social connections and forge new friendships. In some cases, Compeer volunteers have their own lived experience of mental health illness or know someone who is living with a mental illness.
Whether you are a Compeer volunteer or participant, Compeer program aims to foster an environment of respect that is free of judgement and stigma.
Get in touch with the Compeer Program
For referrals, please contact our Compeer Officer:
Email: compeer@vinnies-cg.org.au
Phone: (02) 6234 7309
Mobile: 0427 930 460
Supported by
ACT Health Department
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