The Importance Of Social Support In Human Life

2.2 explain how others in social networks may provide support to individuals experiencing significant life events

Health support - whilst a child or family member is receiving support for a health issue this could possibly affect continuity of care, education, development and income.

Working in a setting with three Service Users living together I spend a great part of every shift helping the Service Users maintain a happy friendship with each

Social support or to maintain contact with family and friends. In general people are sociable, we will attempt to relate to other people and develop a relationship with them. Sometimes people will need support in relating to others- this can be for a range of reasons such as, illness if social circumstances may of meant that someone has lost contact with other people such as their family and friends, other may have issues in making relationship and some may have had difficult or painful experiences which have made them wary of becoming involved with others.

These workers can assist an individual or group in crisis by providing direct intervention, by identifying alternative coping skills, or by consulting with others. A helper's primary goals in a crisis are to identify, assess, and intervene; to return the individual to his/her prior level of functioning as quickly as possible; and to lessen any negative impact on future mental health. Sometimes during this process, new skills and coping mechanisms are acquired, resulting in change (Sandoval, 1988).

At times extra support can be needed to be able to have a meaningful communication with a child or adult to meet their needs. These can include:

A current issue for both male and female parents and carers is the ability to function positively amidst the various responsibilities and expectations of society. In today’s society, however, various types of support are available that assists in enhancing the confidence and wellbeing of these parents and carers. Informal support is the assistance gained from relatives, friends or neighbours of parents and carers. This type of support is beneficial for both male and female parents and carers, as they are able to function more effectively with a stronger support system to assist them

Most, if not all, communities around the world have some type of informal support system in place. In the article, The Interface between Professional and Natural Support Systems, Baker (1977) states, “In most communities there exists a network of individuals and groups who band together to help each other in dealing with a variety of problems

When preparing for the new role of parenting or caring informal and formal support services can assist the parents or carers in many ways. Informal support services range from family members to friends to work colleagues to flatmates or neighbours. These types of support services can assist individuals in preparing for their role of parenting or caring by providing knowledge and advice from their own previous experience. This advice would be helpful for a new parent or carer as they would be given tips on how to deal with having a new child and how to care for the child.

Support groups have been increasing in popularity, support has been shown to increase well-being among specific groups in order to address their specific problems or concerns. Social media has been on the rise as well, and the two concepts have combined to be an effective outlet, such as in the case of health and dealing with a chronic condition. This has been shown to be a productive way for people to discuss the stress that they will encounter with learning to manage their disease.

Support systems. No one wants to have to go through a problem all alone. There are family members, friends or an acquaintances who are willing to lend a few minutes of their time to be with you, listen to you, and even help provide solutions to your problems.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have a reluctance to ask for support from friends and coworkers. An intermediate stepping stone may be setting up a social network site in which to give updates and allow friends and coworkers to offer support and services. This can also be accomplished through churches or other groups the Thomas’s were previously or actively involved with. Psychologically, it allows the Thomas’s to maintain their sense of self-reliance by providing information about their situation without expectations of support. This allows people to be supportive in a variety of capacities and at various levels.

Social Support means having emotional support from people that you know, such as family, close friends and your birthing partner. They can support you using approval, praise, and physical/psychological comfort. For example, if the client has antenatal depression, social support from the healthcare professionals would include being referred to counselling, generally being there to talk to and listen to and give advice, and reassure them.

As you can see from the diagram players have an opportunity to alter the amount of support they require on a regular basis, this can range from a high amount of support over all 4 corners or very little support over just one corner. Some of the Academic/Pastoral support services we have implemented internally have included:

Support groups bring together people facing similar issues, whether that's illness, relationship problems or major life changes. Members of support groups often share experiences and advice. It can be helpful just getting to talk with other people who are in the same boat. While not everyone wants or needs support beyond that offered by family and friends, you may find it helpful to turn to others outside your immediate circle. A support group can help you cope better and feel less isolated as you make connections with others facing similar challenges. A support group shouldn't replace your standard medical care, but it can be a valuable resource to help you cope (Staff, 2013).