Support from Individuals Social Network Essay -- Sociology, Family an

Before discussing the different kinds of support that can be given by a person’s social network, an understanding of what a social network is and the people it can include is necessary. This essay will begin with a brief definition and then go on to list and review the different kinds of support that can be provided. ‘A social network consists of a set of people with whom one maintains contact and has some form of social bond’. (K101, Unit 10, p75). This means that a social network is a group of people with which a person has regular interaction with such as Family, Friends, Neighbours or Work colleagues. However taking into account the introduction of easier, cheaper access to the Internet, E-mail and mobile phones over recent years and of course people moving across the country or world, social networks are no longer just confined to where people live. Family and friends can offer informal support such as Practical help and advice with things like childcare or household topics and chores. Emotional support if an individual is undergoing feelings of uncertainty or personal difficulties, and financial help by lending money for debts, everyday living or perhaps advice on spending. Informal support is often a relationship with a degree of mutual help, as seen in various sections throughout the K101 module; such as Peter Townsend’s research into family life in Bethnal Green. He explained how ‘Help was reciprocated- through the provision of meals, the care of children and in other ways’ (Bornat and Blakemore, 2008, P 13) and also Pauline, an active volunteer from Thornhill who after suffering a stroke, her best friend Elaine became her day-to-day source of emotional support, while Pauline’s neighbours provided practical help an... ...r found that paying her bills and everyday routines like shopping where hard to manage. Care workers supported her by going with her to pay bills and to buy food at first. As the service user still wanted to maintain her independence suitable adaptions to her telephone was made and a voluntary shopping service was offered to her with a trained worker that could understand her over the phone, aids to help with memory and everyday tasks where also provided. In conclusion an individual’s social network can be extremely important not just for support but also for physical and mental well-being. Limitations to creating or maintaining social work can vary from person to person such as isolation, vulnerability and impairments. Care workers must be mindful of these limitations so that they can provide and introduce the correct support needed for the right individual.