A new service with prayer ’at the heart’ is aiming to tackle disconnection and provide emotional and practical support within the Manx community.

TextPrayer.im is a free platform for people to contact via its website, text message and Facebook messenger to share issues that are on their mind to others who can provide prayer and practical help.

This can be done anonymously if preferred.

Jonny Harding, the pastor of Elim churches in Peel and Ramsey, said: ’Even with all the advantages of a global digital society and a small local community, many Manx people continue to feel disconnected from their neighbours.

’During difficult times, this can mean feelings of isolation, loneliness and even despair. We wanted to find ways to connect people in need with others who can provide non-judgemental support.

’That might be the simple comfort of knowing someone else has heard and is praying for them or much more practical actions, such as financial intervention or connection to relevant professional help.

’We know that’s not something everyone feels familiar with, so we have done what we can to ensure the service is available in different formats and can allow confidentiality or even in some cases total anonymity.

’It’s important that people know they can use the service however they wish, whatever their beliefs, and whatever their state of mind.

’We’re just looking to provide support, no strings attached. There’s no push, no pitch, no request for a donation.’

You can contact TextPrayer by text on 166142 from any island mobile, at normal text messaging rates, on Facebook or anonymously via the website www.textprayer.im/