It supports and gives comfort to a learner (5)
I believe the answer is:
easel
'it supports and' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'comfort to a learner' is the wordplay.
'comfort' becomes 'ease' (synonyms).
'to a learner' becomes 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'ease'+'l'='EASEL'
'gives' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for easel that I've seen before include "stand for creativity" , "supporter of the arts" , "Painter's tripod" , "Tripod supporting a canvas" , "Wooden frame for an artist" .)