befriender
One who connects
A befriender is someone who offers friendship and companionship, typically in an organized or volunteer capacity.
The term appears most often in social services and mental health contexts, where befrienders provide support to isolated, elderly, or vulnerable people: The charity pairs befrienders with lonely seniors.
Unlike a friend, the relationship is structured and intentional.
Trusted keeper of secrets
- palClose trusted companion
- buddyInformal term for companion
- chumFriend or fish scraps
- matePartner or companion
comrade · sidekick · playmate · acquaintance · peer · companion · fellowship · camaraderie
One providing emotional support
- sootherWhat brings relief
- reassurerOne who calms fears
- empathizerOne who shares feelings
- listenerOne who attends aurally
nurturer · healer · confidant · shoulder · sympathizer · counselor · caregiver · peacemaker
Short-term guest
- callerOne who phones
- mentorTrusted wisdom-giving advisor
- helperOne who aids another
- listenerOne who attends aurally
companion · buddy · advocate · hospice volunteer · youth mentor
One who heartens others
- advocatePublic cause supporter
- backerFinancial supporter
- patronRegular supporter or customer
- sponsorFunder of activities
defender · protector · guardian · champion · endorser · proponent · ally · helper
One who presents another
- matchmakerArranger of romantic pairings
- networkerOne who cultivates contacts
- liaisonConnector between groups
- intermediaryAgent linking two parties
facilitator · bridge-builder · mediator · broker · go-between · link · ambassador · icebreaker
confidant
Trusted keeper of secrets
mate · comrade · sidekick · playmate · acquaintance · peer · companion · fellowship · camaraderie · crony
consoler
One providing emotional support
- sootherWhat brings relief
- reassurerOne who calms fears
- empathizerOne who shares feelings
listener · nurturer · healer · confidant · shoulder · sympathizer · counselor · caregiver · peacemaker · presence
visitor
Short-term guest
listener · companion · buddy · advocate · hospice volunteer · youth mentor
encourager
One who heartens others
sponsor · defender · protector · guardian · champion · endorser · proponent · ally · helper · promoter
introducer
One who presents another
- matchmakerArranger of romantic pairings
- networkerOne who cultivates contacts
- liaisonConnector between groups
intermediary · facilitator · bridge-builder · mediator · broker · go-between · link · ambassador · icebreaker · host
befriend, befriending, befriended, befriends, unbefriended, befrienders