From P2P Foundation

Description

This is the number of individuals that you seek advice, support, or help from in times of severe emotional or financial stress. In most societies, the average size of an individual's Support Circle is 3-5. The people are the core of your intimate social network and most typically are also kin. In sociology papers this is often called the "support clique". (http://www.lifewithalacrity.com/2008/11/personal-circle.html)