Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of the Support While Waiting Grant Scheme, a £500,000 fund designed to empower voluntary and community organisations to deliver essential practical and emotional support to people on Health and Social Care (HSC) waiting lists.

Minister Nesbitt acknowledged the severe impact of prolonged waits, stating: "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."

The scheme is intended as a tangible measure to help those affected immediately. "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," the Minister said.

The Minister stressed that addressing waiting lists requires a unified approach: "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 Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations can apply for grants ranging from £5,000 to £30,000 to fund community-based initiatives that enhance wellbeing, resilience, and self-management. The supported activities may include mental health support, practical assistance, peer support programmes, and initiatives aimed at helping individuals maintain their health while awaiting treatment.

The scheme is a component of a broader strategy to tackle waiting lists, with Minister Nesbitt emphasising that "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 collaborated closely with NICVA and key HSC stakeholders to design the scheme, ensuring its fairness and alignment with existing wellbeing strategies and the Department's long-term goal of bringing waiting times back to sustainable levels. It also aligns with the emerging Support While Waiting policy and strengthens the Neighbourhood Model of Care outlined in the HSC Reset Plan.

Funding will be allocated to the most impactful proposals through a clear scoring methodology. All funds must be committed within the 2025/26 financial year, with successful applicants receiving a single payment.

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment: "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." He concluded by thanking the sector: "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 for the grant scheme opened on 4 December 2025 and will close on 30 January 2026.