Friends & Volunteers
One-to-one matches spend about 4 hours together per month, engaging in activities such as going for a walk, getting a cup of coffee, or watching a sporting event. Compeer Calling volunteers check in with their friend by phone for about 15 minutes every week.
Apply to be a Volunteer
We are always accepting applications for One-to-One and Compeer Calling volunteers. Download the appropriate application below and return it to the Compeer office per the directions within.
Questions about which program is right for you? Reach out to the Compeer office at (717) 397-7461.
FOR FRIENDS
FOR VOLUNTEERS
Social isolation is often a by-product of mental illness. Without a trusted friend and advocate, it can become difficult to live successfully in the community and to maintain mental wellness.
Compeer Lancaster is always accepting applications for caring persons to provide a one-to-one friendship to a person who is recovering from mental illness and receiving mental health treatment. The volunteer is not expected to be a therapist, social worker or counselor, but simply a friend. Compeer is a fun and flexible volunteer opportunity that fits into your lifestyle. Matching is done on the basis of location, personal preference, and shared interests and hobbies, and all friendships matches are same gender.
Compeer Volunteers
One to One Match Monthly Report: Download and fill out this form if you prefer using hard copies. Otherwise, click the “Submit One to One Match Report” button below.
Compeer Calling Monthly Report: Download and fill out this form if you prefer using hard copies. Otherwise, click the “Submit Compeer Calling Report” button below.
What do you like in a Compeer Friend?
If you’re interested in being matched with a Compeer friend, speak to your Mental Health Provider (a social worker, therapist, etc.) who can make a referral for the program.
Compeer is right for you if you have a primary diagnosis of mental illness, if you’re under the continuous care of a mental health provider, and if you’re looking for more social support during your mental health recovery.
Compeer is not a therapy service or peer support program. Your Compeer will be your friend and companion and will bring more socialization and support into your life.
The Gift of Friendship
Through the gift of friendship, you will gain a sense of satisfaction and personal growth and have the opportunity to help another person. All it takes is sharing a minimum of 4 hours per month for one year doing the things you like to do already, for example:
a walk in the park,
a movie,
sharing a pot of coffee,
music,
a hobby,
shopping,
bowling,
fishing,
or just talking.
Compeer Calling
In addition to One-to-One matches, Compeer provides an extension program called Compeer Calling. It is a great opportunity for those who would like to volunteer but have time and activity constraints. Compeer Calling gives you an opportunity to give back right from your own home, and just a single 15-minute telephone call once a week can make an extraordinary difference in someone’s life.
The phone call you make provides interim social support for persons referred to Compeer Lancaster until a one-to-one match is made. These calls help to “bridge the gap” between the time a person is referred and the time they are matched.
Social isolation is often a by-product of mental illness. Without a trusted friend and advocate, it can become difficult to live successfully in the community and to maintain mental wellness.
Compeer Lancaster is always accepting applications for caring persons to provide a one-to-one friendship to a person who is recovering from mental illness and receiving mental health treatment. The volunteer is not expected to be a therapist, social worker or counselor, but simply a friend. Compeer is a fun and flexible volunteer opportunity that fits into your lifestyle. Matching is done on the basis of location, personal preference, and shared interests and hobbies, and all friendships matches are same gender.