Health Minister Robbie Butler has announced a £500,000 investment to continue the Support While Waiting Grant Scheme for a further year. The funds will enable voluntary and community organisations to provide free support to people on Health and Social Care NI (HSCNI) waiting lists to maintain their health and wellbeing while awaiting treatment.

The grant scheme was established by the Department of Health in 2025. Support includes practical help and emotional and mental health support and provides opportunities for individuals to build confidence and manage existing conditions.

Confirming the continuation of the grant scheme, the Health Minister 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.”

Last year twenty voluntary and community sector organisations received funding through the scheme. Patients were supported across a range of different services. These included neurology, orthopaedics, gynaecology and mental health. Projects are expected to support over 2,400 patients and families.

The grant scheme opens for applications on Friday 25 September 2026 and closes at 12 noon on Friday 6 November 2026. All eligible Northern Ireland charities are encouraged to apply for grants between £5,000 and £30,000. Proposed projects must provide free support to people on HSC waiting lists and funding must be spent by 31 March 2028.

Further information, including the application form and guidance visit is available on the Department of Health website at: Support While Waiting Grant Scheme 2026/27 | Department of Health