Compeer International

10/29/2026

Fun fact: Compeer affiliates around the world have made thousands of one-to-one friendship matches, each one built on consistency, trust, and showing up. What's one small way you've shown up for a friend recently? Tell us below. 💙

10/27/2026

As October winds down, we're grateful for every volunteer, affiliate, and supporter across our global Compeer network who showed up this month, whether through Check on Your Friends Week, a local event, or simply being a consistent friend to someone who needed one. Thank you for being part of this mission.

10/24/2026

Loneliness isn't just a personal struggle, it's a public health issue. The U.S. Surgeon General has said chronic loneliness can carry health risks comparable to smoking up to 15 ci******es a day. At Compeer, we believe consistent friendship is preventive care. It's why our global network exists.

10/22/2026

Did you know Compeer operates in communities across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K.? Our model works because it's simple: one caring adult, matched with one person facing mental health challenges, building real friendship over time. If your community doesn't have a Compeer affiliate yet, you could be the one to start it. Interested in bringing Compeer to your area, or volunteering internationally? Reach out, we'd love to talk.

10/20/2026

Affiliate Spotlight: Compeer Canberra, Australia! 🇦🇺 Compeer isn't just a U.S. organization; our affiliate network spans the globe, including this program based in Canberra through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Wherever it operates, Compeer's mission stays the same: pairing volunteers with people facing mental health challenges to build real, lasting friendships.

10/17/2026

Meet Judy 💙, a volunteer with our Lebanon affiliate and one of thousands across the Compeer network who give just a few hours a month to be a friend. Watch to see what that friendship looks like. No special background required, just consistency and care. Ready to be that person for someone in your community?

10/16/2026

💚 More Good Days, Together | MHA Conference 2026

As we wrap up an inspiring experience at the 2026 Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C., we reflect on the meaningful conversations, valuable insights, and connections that continue to shape the future of mental health and wellness.

Cheri Alvarez, CEO of Compeer Buffalo and Compeer International, and Kendra Elliott, Director of Compeer International, joined mental health leaders, advocates, and organizations from across the country to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to mental wellness.

From adolescent mental health to social prescribing and addressing loneliness among older adults, one message remained clear: Human connection is essential to our mental and emotional well-being.

These conversations reinforced Compeer’s mission of reducing isolation, fostering meaningful relationships, and strengthening communities through the power of friendship.

Beyond the insightful sessions, the opportunity to reconnect with longtime partners, build new relationships, and explore future collaborations made this experience especially meaningful.

Innovation matters. Research matters. But human connection remains irreplaceable.

We leave inspired and committed to creating communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.

💚 Because stronger connections create more good days.

Check on your friends 💚

10/15/2026

Compeer Rochester Reminder ⬇️

⏰ Register now through September 30 for your Early Bird Discount! The Compeer Mile, our annual walk to make the world less lonely, is happening November 1 in Downtown Rochester!

This walk — our largest fundraiser of the year — brings the community together to celebrate the power of connection and the importance of mental wellness. The one-mile route begins and ends at Compeer Rochester , circling Martin Luther King Jr. Park at Manhattan Square along the way. Register today to join the fun and help raise dollars and awareness for mental health — proceeds support critical work that betters the lives of people facing mental health challenges in our community.

Every registration includes a Compeer t-shirt, with the option to add a reduced-admission Strong Museum ticket or an extra shirt. 📍 Start/End: Rochester, 259 Monroe Avenue | Check-in: 10-11am | Walk begins: 11am

Register today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/compeerrochester/event/thecompeermile2026/?mc_cid=015bb959d0&mc_eid=dd5a19caa8

10/13/2026

Celebrating Longstanding Partnerships and the Power of Connection! 💚

Another wonderful highlight of attending the 2026 Mental Health America Conference was reconnecting with members of the, Mental Health America of Dutchess County, NY a longtime and valued Compeer affiliate!

It’s always a pleasure connecting with those who have been part of the Compeer family for so many years, sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and celebrating the meaningful work happening within our network.

It was especially rewarding to attend their presentation at this year’s conference and learn more about the innovative approaches and impactful work their team continues to bring to the mental health community.

Strong partnerships are built through shared purpose, meaningful relationships, and a continued commitment to making a difference.

Grateful for our longstanding partnership with MHA of Dutchess County and for opportunities like this conference that allow us to reconnect, learn from one another, and continue strengthening the Compeer network.

Because when we connect, collaborate, and learn together, we strengthen the communities we serve! 💚

10/12/2026

The Power of Connection: Living the Compeer Mission! 💚

Another meaningful highlight of attending the 2026 Mental Health America Conference was having the opportunity to meet and connect with Jeffrey McQueen, Executive Director of, Mental Health Association of Nassau County for the first time in person!

Our conversation was a wonderful reminder of the importance of building relationships, sharing ideas, and exploring opportunities to strengthen the communities we serve.

What made this connection even more special was learning that Jeffrey doesn’t just support the Compeer mission through his leadership; he personally lives it! Jeffrey has been a Compeer volunteer, maintaining a one-to-one friendship with his matched participant for many years. That level of personal commitment speaks volumes about the power of friendship, consistency, and simply showing up for someone.

Leadership is powerful, but leadership rooted in personal action creates an even greater impact.

These are the stories that remind us why Compeer’s mission matters. Meaningful connections can change lives, and sometimes the greatest difference we make comes from simply being a friend.

Grateful for the opportunity to connect with Jeffrey and excited about the possibilities for continued collaboration!

Because connection isn’t just what we advocate for. It’s what we practice. 💚