Appeals for some simple assurance (5)
I believe the answer is:
pleas
'appeals' is the definition.
(plea is a kind of appeal)
'some simple assurance' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some parts of the word are used).
'PLEAS' can be found hidden inside 'simple assurance'.
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for pleas that I've seen before include "Entreats" , "Excuses, pretexts" , "Urgent entreaties" .)