tukiverkostoa

Tukiverkosto, literally “support network,” is the network of people, services and organizations that provide practical, emotional and informational assistance to an individual or group. It includes informal ties such as family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues, as well as formal actors such as healthcare professionals, social workers, schools, charities and community organizations. A tukiverkosto functions as a system for daily support, health management, crisis response, and navigation of available services, with the aim of enabling participation in society and maintaining well-being.

The components of a tukiverkosto are diverse and interconnected. Informal support provides companionship, encouragement and help with everyday tasks. Formal support includes case management, medical care, housing and benefits advice, and access to community programs. Communication and coordination among actors—often supported by social or health services, technology platforms or peer groups—are essential to the network’s effectiveness.

Factors influencing strength and reach include trust, accessibility, language and cultural compatibility, geographic proximity, and resource availability. Barriers can arise from stigma, privacy concerns, fragmentation of services, or unequal access.

In practice, tukiverkostot play a role across areas such as elder care, mental health, disability support, child welfare and disaster recovery. Well-functioning networks contribute to reduced isolation, improved treatment adherence and resilience, while also helping to alleviate pressure on formal care systems.