Compeer Volunteers – Various

Volunteer Position title: Compeer Volunteer

Location:

All Sydney metro areas

Position objective

Compeer is an award-winning volunteer program that matches people living with a mental illness in one-on-one friendship with a caring volunteer of the same gender. The small gift of your time can make a world of difference to someone who is lonely. Taking part is flexible, enjoyable and rewarding. Volunteers are asked to spend an hour a week for at least one year with their Compeer friend, taking part in one-on-one activities such as having coffee, going for a walk, or whatever you and your friend please.

Skills/qualifications required

You do not need to have had any experience with mental illness to be a Compeer Volunteer. Your role is to be a friend to another person, not a mental health professional. The experience of friendship is the only experience required. Volunteers should be emotionally mature, friendly, empathetic and accepting. Two days initial training is provided and ongoing support and training is provided during the friendship.

Key Responsibilities

The role is simple - to be a friend and enjoy social activities together. Volunteers are asked to make a minimum 12 month commitment to their friendship, meeting up on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis for 4 hours per month. Activities and outings can be whatever the friends chose to do according to their own interests, such as meeting for a coffee or going for a walk.

Supervisor

The volunteer reports to the Volunteer Training & Support Officer for their area (Lewisham, Hurstville, Blacktown or Chatswood)

Days/ Times Required

Being part of Compeer is flexible – you and your friend arrange a time and place that suits you both for your outings. We ask for a minimum 12 month commitment to the friendship and meet up regularly (weekly or fortnightly) for 4 hours a month.

Training requirements

Two days initial training over two consecutive Saturdays, then ongoing training and support provided.

Screening requirements

Volunteers complete an Application Form, three references are required (two professional and one personal), they attend an Initial interview with the Volunteer Training and Support Officer and also undergo a Criminal Record Check

Benefits to volunteer

By offering the gift of friendship to someone who is lonely and isolated, the volunteer can make a huge difference to the quality of life of someone living with a mental illness. Participation in the program also helps break down the stigma associated with mental illness through friendship and social support. Compeer is a flexible program that can fit in with the volunteer’s other commitments.

Contact Person

Vanessa Cripps, Compeer Program Assistant Tel: 9568 0283, Email: compeer@vinnies.org.au