Compeer
“Compeer” means peer, companion, or equal. At its core the Voice and Vision, Inc. Compeer program is built on the power of human connection – matching caring volunteers with individuals living with mental health challenges who may otherwise feel alone.
Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of background or life experience. In fact, 26% of American adults experience a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year – that’s about 1 in 4 adults. During these times, the need for friendship, understanding, and support becomes especially important. Yet, many individuals referred to Compeer lack consistent social support from family or friends.
Compeer addresses this gap by fostering meaningful, one-to-one relationships that provide companionship, encouragement, and hope. Through these connections, participants are supported on their journey toward recovery and empowered to lead more fulfilling, connected lives.
A Brief History of Compeer
The Compeer model was founded in 1973 in Rochester, New York, by psychiatrist Dr. Bertram Brown. He believed that friendship and social connection are essential components of mental health recovery, alongside clinical treatment. What began as a local volunteer initiative has grown into a national and international network focused on reducing isolation and promoting healing through one-to-one supportive friendships.
Compeer Program of Suburban Philadelphia
Since 1991, the Compeer Program of Suburban Philadelphia has been creating meaningful friendships for adults in mental health recovery. Compeer is part of a global network of Compeer programs across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, we match trained volunteers with adults in one-to-one, same-gender, co-equal friendships—building connection, reducing isolation, and supporting recovery. Referrals are accepted in writing from local mental health providers and partner programs.
Being a friend starts with something simple: showing up, sharing time, and connecting through common interests.
Compeer at Voice and Vision, Inc.
At Voice and Vision, Inc., the Compeer program brings this proven model of friendship and support to individuals across Delaware County and Southeastern Pennsylvania. By matching trained volunteers with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, Compeer fosters meaningful connections that reduce isolation, encourage recovery, and promote a stronger sense of belonging within the community.
For more information click here to visit www.compeerfriends.org
To apply to be a Compeer Volunteer, click here to complete the online application.
Please see the CompeerCORPS page for information about veteran Compeer matches.
Counties Served
Delaware County
Compeer Makes a Difference
Imagine if your mother passed away giving birth to you and once you reached 18, your father moved across the country without you. It’s inconceivable yet, my compeer friend Joe, experienced just that. I am a student at Drexel University and will be attending Drexel University College of Medicine in the fall of 2019. During my second year of college, I was looking for an organization that fit my busy schedule and provided a direct personal connection. I found Compeer and met Joe in 2017. Our first encounter was a couple hours long, throwing a football around and shooting some hoops. We grew close immediately, and a year later we were best friends.
Despite Joe’s battle with mental health and a troubled past, he is such a happy person to be around. We see each other a few times a month and catch up on the phone when we can’t hangout. He has never had someone to hang out with, and it makes me realize a variety of things I take for granted. I appreciate the friendship we have and the smaller things in life. Joe is happy with who he is and doesn’t let others affect him. This has helped me realize I should be thinking the same way. His immediate connection and growth excite me to continue my friendship with Joe for years to come. Meeting Joe and hanging out with him has changed my life.