Are you interested in making new friends? Using your natural gifts and talents in a positive way? Helping others to feel good about themselves?

If so, consider Compeer volunteering. We offer flexible programs to fit your busy schedule. All you need is openness to new experiences, the desire to make a difference, and sensitivity to the needs of persons in mental health recovery.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• One-to-one, same-gender friendship relationships
• Phone friend
• Pen pal
• E-mail friend
• Mentor in a group setting

Volunteers (who must be 18 years of age or older) are matched with stable adults (also 18 years of age or older) who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation that often accompany mental illness. Having a caring friend to talk with helps them “get on with life” as they progress in their recovery. The volunteer is not expected to be a therapist, social worker, or counselor – just a friend who is a peer, equal, companion, comrade (the dictionary meaning of the word “compeer”).

The benefits of volunteering may surprise you, but one thing is certain: you’re likely to have fun! One-to-one matched friends might go shopping, see movies, have lunch together, take walks, attend sporting events, or do whatever they both enjoy.

Compeer Chester County sponsors more than 65 pairs of matched friends currently. Group activities—such as picnics, bowling parties, and a friendship luncheon—bring together all volunteers and their friends periodically throughout the year.

If you cannot commit 4 hours a month for a one-to-one friendship relationship, you can volunteer as an occasional caller or pen pal/e-mail buddy, providing interim support to persons referred to Compeer Chester County until a one-to-one match is made.

Individualized training and ongoing support is provided to each volunteer. Compeer staff help you select a friend on the basis of location, personal preferences, and shared interests. An introductory meeting is held with you, your new friend, your friend’s referring mental-health professional, and Compeer staff.

For more information or to request a volunteer application, call 610-436-4445, email CompeerChesco@mhasp.org, or Click Here for the Volunteer Application Form in pdf.