Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced 16 cancer service charities will benefit from a share of the Cancer Charities Grant Scheme, funded by the Department of Health and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The grant scheme will ensure charities, voluntary and community sector organisations can deliver cancer support services and projects across local communities in Northern Ireland.

During a visit to the Evora Hospice in Newry, one of the recipients of the grant, Minister Nesbitt highlighted how the scheme had been developed through a co-design process working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition to target help for people across Northern Ireland.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the services provided by local charities are invaluable. “This funding scheme will help transform the lives of people living with cancer and their families, offering personalised support in a community setting.  Working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support has enabled an innovative approach with the focus firmly on meeting the needs of those affected by cancer.

“At the heart of this scheme is the need to move care closer to people’s homes and strengthening support in communities across Northern Ireland. By empowering charities to deliver earlier, more localised support, we can help people stay well for longer and reduce avoidable pressure on hospital services. 

“During my visit to the Evora Hospice, I have seen first-hand the powerful potential of community action when it comes to delivering outstanding cancer support.  It is clear local charities are at the heart of it, playing an essential role alongside HSC staff and patients’ friends and families. I would like to thank Macmillan Cancer Support for their generous funding; this scheme truly shows how much government and the charitable sector can achieve by working collaboratively.”

The funding will support services including mental health support, rehabilitation and prehabilitation, transport services, awareness and education initiatives and programmes addressing health inequalities.