£500,000 fund opens to support Northern Ireland patients while they wait for treatment
Friday 25 September 2026
People facing lengthy waits for healthcare in Northern Ireland are set to receive more free community-based support after a £500,000 funding scheme was extended for another year.
The Support While Waiting Grant Scheme will fund charities to provide practical assistance, emotional and mental health support, and help patients manage existing conditions while they remain on Health and Social Care waiting lists.
£5,000 to £30,000 grants available
Health Minister Robbie Butler announced the investment on Friday, saying reducing waiting lists remains a priority but people also need support while they wait for care.
He said:
“We are making progress on waiting lists, but significant challenges remain. Behind every waiting list statistic is a person. While reducing waiting lists and increasing capacity remains a key priority for my Department, we must also support people while they wait for care. That’s why I am investing a further £500,000 to continue the Support While Waiting Grant Scheme.
“The voluntary and community sector is an essential partner in supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland. I am committed to supporting the invaluable work of these organisations and pay tribute to the many staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to meet the needs of the communities they serve.”
Registered charities operating in Northern Ireland can apply for grants of between £5,000 and £30,000. Each eligible organisation can submit one application, with projects required to provide support to people on HSC waiting lists free of charge.
More than 2,400 patients and families supported
The scheme was established by the Department of Health in 2025. Twenty voluntary and community organisations received funding in its previous round, supporting people across services including neurology, orthopaedics, gynaecology and mental health.
Those projects are expected to support more than 2,400 patients and families, providing help intended to maintain or improve people’s wellbeing and prepare them for treatment when it becomes available.
The Department says the new funding is also intended to build capacity within the voluntary and community sector and help ease pressure on statutory health services.
Applications now open
Applications opened on Friday 25 September and must be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 6 November 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Funding will be awarded as a one-off payment before 31 March 2027, with successful programmes expected to begin as soon as reasonably possible afterwards. All funded activity must be completed and the money spent by 31 March 2028.
Full eligibility requirements, guidance and the application form are available from the Department of Health here.
