Community Companions
Do you remember the last time you felt lonely and wished someone were there to share good times? Loneliness happens to everyone from time to time, but for someone with a mental illness, it can be a way of life. The stigma of mental illness often breaks friendships or prevents a person with mental illness from reaching out.
Since 1988, volunteers from all walks of life in Central New York have participated in Community Companions, a unique peer support program that matches these individuals with other people who have a history of involvement with the psychiatric system. These "Connections" are made based on common interests and with the flexibility to accomodate most schedules.
How Community Companions Works...
Like other MHA Programs, Community Companions works to reduce the stigma and isolation felt by many people who live with mental health problems. Through Community Companions, they are given a chance to develop a one-to-one friendship with a caring person who shares their interests, whether they be hobbies, sports, social activities or any other common bond.
Following the match, the pair spend approximately four hours a month together for about a year, immersed in fun activities both people enjoy!
What Are Community Companions?
If you enjoy spending time with people and would like to share your time and talents with a special friend, you can volunteer as a Community Companion. The program trains and supports volunteers to spend time doing the things friends do together. Community Companions also organizes free and low-cost activities and workshops that volunteers and their new friends can attend together.
Why Volunteer for Community Companions?
Community Companions is a perfect opportunity for you to:
- have fun doing the things you enjoy, find joy in sharing that experience with another person, and also enjoy low-cost, diverse group activities.
- meet new people, make new friends, and be part of a supportive team.
- learn new skills, set your own volunteer schedule, and gain educational and career experience.
- make a positive and lasting difference in another person's life.
It's All About Fun!
The new friends can participate in a wide variety of activities. Examples include but are not limited to:
- sports activities, including bowling, fishing, cross-country skiing or roller blading.
- going out for coffee, lunch, dinner, visiting the local library, or catching a movie together.
- a chance to learn something new, like pottery, needlepoint or ethnic cooking classes.
The possibilities are endless! While the commitment starts out at a year, some "companions" have been together several years or more!