Helpful sort (4)
I believe the answer is:
kind
This clue is a double definition.
'helpful' is the first definition.
('kind' can be similar in meaning to 'helpful')
'sort' is the second definition.
('kind' can be a synonym of 'sort')
(Other definitions for kind that I've seen before include "Generous - type" , "Gracious" , "Type; helpful" , "Thoughtful; type" , "Good-natured" .)