Minister Nesbitt has announced 20 voluntary and community sector
organisations across Northern Ireland will receive a share of a
£500,000 fund to assist individuals currently on health and
social care waiting lists.
During visits to Mencap and the Waterside Neighbourhood Renewal
Partnership in Derry / Londonderry, Minister Nesbitt emphasised
how vital the voluntary and community sector is in supporting the
health and wellbeing of people on waiting lists.
The Minister said: “While we continue to see small but tangible
improvements to the waiting list position, there are still many
patients who wait too long for treatment and assessment, across a
range of specialties. The Support While Waiting grant
scheme clearly demonstrates the value of a strong partnership
between government and the voluntary and community sector.
These organisations deliver a range of invaluable early
intervention and wellbeing programmes designed to help patients
manage their conditions. This support will help people on
those lists to stay well while they wait.”
The grant scheme has funded organisations to provide support
services to patients on waiting lists across neurology,
orthopaedics and musculoskeletal, gynaecology and mental health
services. Projects have also been funded to support
children with disabilities and complex needs, including those
waiting for ASD/ADHD assessments.
Minister Nesbitt added: “Through Support While Waiting, 2,400
patients and their families will receive localised assistance to
manage their conditions, enabling those awaiting treatment to be
as prepared as possible when treatment becomes available. I am
committed to supporting the valuable work of the community and
voluntary sector and pay tribute to each organisation working to
meet the needs of the communities they serve.”
Claire Shepherd, Head of Children and Families at Mencap said:
“This funding is critical at a time when we are seeing increased
levels of anxiety and stress for parents and carers of children
and young people with learning disabilities around waiting
lists. This early intervention funding will allow us to
deliver activities within communities to help alleviate the
pressures families are facing.”
The funding will support services including optimising physical
health to prevent deterioration, emotional wellbeing and
improving readiness for future treatment.
Notes to Editors
- The full list of successful applicants for Support While
Waiting Grant Scheme can be found here: https://govfundingpublic.nics.gov.uk/GrantsAwarded.aspx(external
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