The article analyzes the formation and development of organizatons and forms of mutual aid in Russia and  Britain  in  XIX–XX  of  centures.  The  comparative  analysis  of  specifics  of  material,  labor  and  social mutual aid, development of the confidential relations, support and protection and also self-government and cooperation forms within cooperation, association, a community is carried out. Mutual aid is regarded as the social basis of implementation of functions of the modern welfare state.