Health Minister has announced the launch of
the Support While Waiting Grant Scheme, a £500,000 fund enabling
voluntary and community organisations to provide practical and
emotional support to people awaiting treatment on Health and
Social Care (HSC) waiting lists.
Minister Nesbitt said: “I fully recognise the toll
that long waits take on people's lives, on health, on family, on
work and on wellbeing. No one should feel they are left to cope
alone while waiting for treatment.
“This grant scheme is a practical and meaningful step to
ensure people receive support when they need it most. While we
continue our wider drive to cut waiting lists, this scheme will
help individuals stay well, stay connected and feel supported
during that journey.
“Tackling waiting lists demands a whole system approach.
Through the Elective Care Framework, through expanding capacity
and through strong partnerships with the voluntary and community
sector, we are taking coordinated action. This scheme is a clear
example of that - government and communities working
together to support patients now, while also building towards a
more sustainable system for the future.”
The Support While Waiting Grant Scheme offers grants of £5,000 to
£30,000 to voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations
delivering community-based initiatives that strengthen wellbeing,
resilience and self-management. These may include mental health
support, practical assistance, peer programmes, and activities
designed to help individuals maintain their health while awaiting
treatment.
Minister Nesbitt emphasised that the scheme is part of a wider
package of actions being taken to tackle waiting
lists: “There is no single solution to waiting
times. Today's announcement demonstrates our commitment to doing
all we can - both to reduce the time people wait, and to
support patients better while they wait.”
Department of Health officials worked closely with NICVA and key
stakeholders within the HSC service in designing the scheme,
ensuring fairness, accessibility, and alignment with existing
wellbeing initiatives. The scheme supports the Department's
long-term strategy to bring waiting times back to sustainable
levels. It aligns with the emerging Support While Waiting policy
and strengthens the Neighbourhood Model of Care set out in the
HSC Reset Plan.
Projects will be assessed using a clear scoring methodology, with
funding awarded to the highest-scoring and most impactful
proposals. All funding must be committed within the 2025/26
financial year, with successful applicants receiving a single
payment.
The Minister added: “Tackling
waiting lists remains one of my top priorities. We will continue
to drive elective reform, expand capacity, and work with all
partners who share our determination to deliver better, efficient
care.
“I am grateful to the voluntary and community sector for
the vital role they play. By working together, we can address the
current pressures as well as building a more resilient and
compassionate system for the future.”
The application window opens 4 December 2025 and closes 30
January 2026.
Full details, including eligibility and application guidance, are
available on the Department of Health website - https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/support-while-waiting-grant-scheme-20252026
