Health Minister Robbie Butler and Macmillan Cancer Support have announced a £1.25million investment to provide practical, emotional and wellbeing support for people affected by cancer.

Welcoming the second year of the Cancer Charities Grant Scheme, Health Minister Robbie Butler highlighted the vital work carried out by Cancer Charities across Northern Ireland. 

Minister Butler said: “Cancer touches the lives of so many people and families across Northern Ireland. Clinical treatment is only one part of that journey. People also need practical, emotional and wellbeing support in their local area, often long after they have left hospital.

“As Health Minister, I want to build on what works. The first year of this scheme demonstrated the strength of partnership between government, Macmillan and our cancer charities. I am pleased we can continue that investment for a second year.

“This is also the direction in which we need to take our health service, intervening earlier and providing more support closer to people’s homes and within their communities. Cancer charities are already doing that every day. This investment will help them reach more people, tackle inequalities and complement the excellent care delivered by our Health and Social Care teams.”

The 2026/27 scheme will provide £1million from the Department of Health alongside £250,000 from Macmillan Cancer Support. It will help charities deliver services closer to people’s homes, including wellbeing support, rehabilitation, practical assistance, transport, cancer awareness and initiatives to reduce health inequalities.

Developed in partnership with the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition, the scheme recognises the important role cancer charities and community organisations play alongside Health and Social Care services.