Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has allocated £500,000 to 20 voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland. The Support While Waiting grant scheme assists patients awaiting health and social care assessments or treatments.

The funding targets mental health, gynaecology, orthopaedics, musculoskeletal and neurology services. It also covers children with complex needs or disabilities waiting for ASD and ADHD assessments. The scheme aims to reach 2,400 patients and their families with localised assistance to manage conditions and prepare for treatment.

Nesbitt visited Waterside Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership in Londonderry and Mencap during the announcement. He stated that small improvements continue in waiting list positions but many patients still wait too long across specialities. The grants support early intervention and wellbeing programmes delivered by the organisations.

Nesbitt committed to backing the community and voluntary sector's work in meeting local needs. Claire Shepherd, Head of Children and Families at Mencap, stated that the funding addresses rising anxiety and stress among parents and carers of children with learning disabilities due to waiting lists.

Projects funded under the scheme focus on emotional wellbeing, readiness for surgery or therapy, and maintaining physical health to avoid deterioration while waiting.