helping network

A linkage comprising various combinations of individuals, groups, families, organizations, government offices, or social agencies and so forth, all of which work together or autonomously to provide a person with the supports, resources, information, and access that is required for problem solving or meeting a need. Helping networks differ from social networks in that they are linked only with respect to the help they seek to provide, whereas social networks have far more bases for their existence. One form of helping network is the natural helping network. See also collaboration.