We help people in need so that no one goes hungry or homeless. We support each other in good times and bad.

Maintaining the welfare state is essential for a good quality of life. In Slovenia, everyone should have access to education, health services and help when they are unable to work.

Helping each other is a value that emphasises the willingness of individuals to provide support, help or resources to each other in order to improve the well-being or progress of another person and the community as a whole. It is an act of solidarity based on based on empathy, cooperation and the belief that together we are stronger than individually.

It is based on solidarity, reciprocity and mutual trust, where each participant contributes according to his/her ability and receives help according to his/her needs.

The basic ingredients of helping each other are:

1. Empathy: understanding the needs of others and wanting to alleviate their problems.
2. No expectation of reimbursement: real mutual help is not driven by a desire for reward, but comes from intrinsic motivation.
3. Cooperation: encourages working in groups, where individuals share responsibilities, resources and funding.
4. Reciprocity: mutual help often creates a cycle in which support is returned when someone else needs it.
5. The power of community: builds cohesion and trust within the group by creating a feeling that no one is alone.

Mutual support is beneficial for both the individual and society, acting as a bridge between personal development and community well-being.

Why helping each other is good for the giver

• Improved well-being

Helping others can make a significant difference to an individual's emotional and mental well-being. Many studies have shown that people who volunteer to help others experience higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. Feeling useful and that we are contributing to the well-being of others can lead to a sense of fulfilment and meaning in life.

• Skills and knowledge development

When we help others, we can learn new skills and knowledge. For example, volunteering in different organisations or projects can teach us new skills such as teamwork, problem solving, communication and organisation. These skills are useful not only in our personal lives but also in the professional world.

• Building a social network

Peer support offers the opportunity to meet new people and build strong social ties. Participating in community activities allows us to meet people from different backgrounds, exchange experiences and create a support network, which can be valuable in times of personal challenges.

Why helping each other is good for society

• Strengthening communities

Mutual support strengthens community ties and fosters a sense of belonging. When people work together and help each other, trust and cohesion are built, leading to a more cohesive and resilient community. Communities where people are connected to each other and help each other are better prepared to face crises and challenges.

• Reducing inequalities

Mutual assistance can help reduce social and economic inequalities. When people volunteer to help those in need, it reduces the gap between rich and poor and increases the chances of equal opportunities. This leads to a fairer and more inclusive society where all members of the community have the opportunity to make progress.

• Promoting solidarity

Mutual aid fosters a culture of solidarity and reciprocity. When people see that others are willing to help without expectation of reciprocation, it creates a positive dynamic that encourages more mutual help.

For society, mutual aid is like blood circulation - it ensures that energy, support and resources circulate where they are needed. It is important not just for survival, but for society to flourish - to remain humane, just and able to grow.

Helping each other is not limited to crisis situations

It is also valuable in everyday life, where a little support or encouragement can lift someone up, help them grow or give them the courage to change. In such cases, it's more about proactive help that supports development, rather than simply tackling out of adversity.

Mutual help in non-crisis situations is valuable because it builds the foundations for the future. If I encourage a young entrepreneur today, he or she might create something that benefits everyone tomorrow. If I set a young person on the right path, they may find happiness, that otherwise wouldn't. It is an investment in people and community that goes beyond mere survival - it is about creating a better world.

Potential hazards

While helping each other is a noble and useful value, it also carries potential dangers if it is not balanced or properly implemented. These dangers can affect both the individual and society. Here is an overview of the most common ones risks:

• if you accept help too often without making any effort of your own, you may become dependent on others, reducing your independence and responsibility,
• an individual who is constantly helping others may neglect their own needs, leading to burnout or emotional exhaustion,
• if only a few people give help while the rest only receive, it can create deep and lasting resentment among the few who help and a sense of injustice in the community,
• helping each other can become an opportunity for manipulation or corruption if people take advantage of the good intentions of others.

Summary

Helping each other is a value that enables society to function as a cohesive whole. It is like an invisible thread that connects us. When I help you, I strengthen our relationship. When you help me, we build a future together. Helping each other is not just about It's about giving, but also about receiving help with dignity.

However, it is important to be aware that this noble value also has potential dangers that we need to be alert to.

Helping each other is the cornerstone of human solidarity and can make a significant contribution to a more just and compassionate community.