The Health Minister has announced a further £500,000 to continue the Support While Waiting Grant Scheme for another year. The funding will allow voluntary and community organisations to offer free support to people on Health and Social Care NI waiting lists.

The scheme, first established in 2025, provides practical help, emotional support and mental health support. It aims to help individuals build confidence and manage existing conditions while they wait for treatment.

Applications open on 25 September 2026 and close at noon on 6 November 2026. Eligible charities in Northern Ireland can apply for grants between £5,000 and £30,000. Projects must provide free support to HSC waiting list patients and funding must be spent by 31 March 2028.

Last year, 20 voluntary and community organisations received funding through the scheme. They supported patients across services including neurology, orthopaedics, gynaecology and mental health. Projects are expected to support over 2,400 patients and families.

The Minister said the voluntary and community sector is an essential partner in supporting health and wellbeing. He said that while reducing waiting lists remains a priority, it is also important to support people while they wait for care.

Further information and application forms are available on the Department of Health website.