Stuðningsnet

Stuðningsnet is a term used in Icelandic to describe informal and formal networks that provide practical, emotional, and social support to individuals and families. These networks bring together family members, friends, neighbors, volunteers, peer supporters, community groups, social workers, healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations, and online communities to coordinate help and resources.

The purpose of a stuðningsnet is to reduce isolation, improve access to services, and promote well-being by facilitating communication, sharing information, and mobilizing resources across different actors. Networks may operate through structured arrangements such as case management or referral pathways, and they rely on principles of consent, confidentiality, respectful boundaries, and safeguarding.

Common applications include support for the elderly and disabled, people with chronic illnesses, families in crisis, refugees and asylum seekers, and youth at risk. They can be local, community-based initiatives or part of larger social or health service programs. Digital platforms and social networks often play a role in connecting participants, coordinating activities, and maintaining contact, especially in rural areas or during emergencies.

Implementation tends to emphasize collaboration between individuals, families, communities, and public or voluntary organizations. Evaluation of a stöðingsnet typically focuses on outcomes such as reduced loneliness, increased participation in activities, timely uptake of services, and user satisfaction. In Icelandic policy and practice, the concept supports community resilience and holistic approaches to welfare, recognizing that coordinated support networks can complement formal services and improve quality of life.