Jodie Foster has reportedly said she will be there for Kristen Stewart if she wants to "cry her heart out".

The Hollywood actress has reportedly made contact with the 22-year-old star to offer her a refuge from the criticism she has come up against since her affair with married director Rupert Sanders became public news.

While Jodie does not agree with Kristen's actions - both in hurting her partner Robert Pattinson and for the effect it's had on Rupert's family - the 49-year-old star is a great believer in giving people second chances.

"Jodie told Kristen to take no notice of the media bashing and said if she wanted to cry her heart out to her she's always available," a source revealed to Radar Online. "Jodie loved Rob and is disappointed with Kristen for cheating on him. However, she knows at 22, she's still very young and unfortunately people make mistakes in life.

"She thinks Kristen will learn from this and will only grow into a more mature person because of it."

Jodie and Kristen formed a friendship when they co-starred alongside each other in 2002 film Panic Room. It is reported that Jodie made a bee line for Kristen when she discovered the world had found out about her affair.

"Jodie is a mother-like figure to her," the source added. "She certainly has no intention of turning her back on Kristen during such a difficult period in her life."