Welcome to SouthCoast Compeer at UMass Dartmouth

 

Making Friends and Changing Lives

SouthCoast Compeer is a local chapter of Compeer International (www.compeer.org), an award winning program that brings the healing power of friendship to the treatment of mental illness.  Our chapter serves Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and the surrounding towns. We are sponsored by UMass Dartmouth and managed by an all-volunteer advisory board.  Our initial funding was from start-up grants from the United Way of Greater New Bedford, the Carlisle Foundation of Framingham, MA, and the Robert Wood Johnson Faith in Action program (www.fiavolunteers.com).  The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health provided financial aid in the past.  We currently receive support through a New Bedford Community Development Block Grant, and UMass Dartmouth.  In addition, our Advisory Board supports the program through fund-raising events and an annual appeal.

The Compeer program is an adjunct to therapy and is based on the concept that a volunteer's friendship, advocacy and support can offset the loneliness and fear experienced by those suffering from mental illness.

Mental health professionals refer clients to Compeer, provide consultation to the volunteer, and are available for backup support.  Compeer can document that participants have better self-esteem and communications skills, are more receptive to  medication and therapy, and make less use of expensive inpatient and emergency services.  Ninety-two percent of clients and referring professionals and ninety-four percent of volunteers report satisfaction with the Compeer friendship.

Compeer staff recruit, train, match, and support volunteers. They are available to speak to congregations and civic and social organizations about Compeer. SouthCoast Compeer can be reached by email at compeer@umassd.edu or by phone at (508) 542-0203 or (508) 999-8843.

We are seeking additional members of our Advisory Board. The Advisory Board raises funds, coordinates program publicity, assists in volunteer recruitment and training, sponsors volunteer appreciation events, and solicits access to free and low cost recreational and cultural events for Compeer pairs. To apply to join the Advisory Board send an email to compeer@umassd.edu.  You do not need a background in mental health to serve on the board - just enthusiasm and an interest in helping.   We particularly need people who like running fundraising events.    You can contribute to Compeer's mission by making a donation through the UMass Dartmouth website.   Be sure to specify where you want your donation to go, using the drop down menu on the second page of the electronic form.

Students at UMass Dartmouth and Bristol Community College may receive academic credit for being  Compeer volunteers. Psychology, social work, criminal justice, nursing, pre-med and pre-law students may find the Compeer experience professionally, as well as personally, valuable. The UMass Dartmouth nursing program and psychology department are offering the Compeer experience as a one-credit experiential course entitled "An Experiential Look at Mental Illness." To learn more about how to register for this course and its requirements, click here.

Student Compeers at UMD can also participate in the Compeer Club, a student organization whose mission is to support Southcoast Compeer.  Click here for contact information on club officers.

 

 

 

 

 Last Updated On: 3/18/09