After time, those in need return to parade (5)
I believe the answer is:
troop
'parade' is the definition.
(troop can mean to parade or march around)
'after time those in need return' is the wordplay.
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'those in need' becomes 'poor' (the poor are needy people).
'return' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'poor' written backwards gives 'roop'.
't' put next to 'roop' is 'TROOP'.
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for troop that I've seen before include "Flock; Scout group" , "Parade" , "A company, unit" , "Body of soldiers or scouts" , "herd" .)