Equally ready for help (5)
I believe the answer is:
asset
'for help' is the definition.
(an asset can be a help)
'equally ready' is the wordplay.
'equally' becomes 'as' (synonyms).
'ready' becomes 'set' (set can mean ready or prepared).
'as'+'set'='ASSET'
(Other definitions for asset that I've seen before include "Resource; advantage" , "Advantage, strength" , "Boon" , "valuable sort" , "Plus point" .)