Helped hide followers of explorer Erik (9)

I believe the answer is:

furthered

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'helped' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'hide followers of explorer erik' is the wordplay.
'hide' becomes 'fur' (I've seen this before).
'followers of explorer erik' becomes 'thered' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'fur'+'thered'='FURTHERED'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app