Social Support

Poverty, lack of hope and other stressors in the environment can take their toll on the well being of individuals.

The term “social support” often appears in discussions of relationships. Social support means having friends and other people, including family, to turn to in times of need or crisis to give you a broader focus and positive self-image. Social support enhances quality of life and provides a buffer against adverse life events.

Social support can take different forms:

• Emotional (sometimes called non-tangible) support refers to the actions people take to make someone else feel cared for.
• Instrumental support refers to the physical, such as money and housekeeping.
• Informational support means providing information to help someone.

Numerous studies indicate social support is essential for maintaining physical and psychological health. The harmful consequences of poor social support and the protective effects of good social support in mental illness have been well documented.

At the Gleam of hope, we recognize this and Social Support is one of our four programs. We most recently provided Christmas packages and additionally spent time with different families in Kamuli District.