The Department of Health and Macmillan Cancer Support have unveiled a £1.25 million package to strengthen practical, emotional and wellbeing services for people affected by cancer, marking the second year of the Cancer Charities Grant Scheme.

Announcing the funding, Health Minister Robbie Butler praised the contribution of cancer charities across Northern Ireland and confirmed the 2026/27 scheme will comprise £1 million from the Department of Health and £250,000 from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Health Minister Robbie Butler said: "Cancer touches the lives of so many people and families across Northern Ireland. Clinical treatment is only one part of that journey. People also need practical, emotional and wellbeing support in their local area, often long after they have left hospital.

"As Health Minister, I want to build on what works. The first year of this scheme demonstrated the strength of partnership between government, Macmillan and our cancer charities. I am pleased we can continue that investment for a second year.

"This is also the direction in which we need to take our health service, intervening earlier and providing more support closer to people's homes and within their communities. Cancer charities are already doing that every day. This investment will help them reach more people, tackle inequalities and complement the excellent care delivered by our Health and Social Care teams." Developed with the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition, the scheme is intended to bring support closer to people's homes. It will fund services such as wellbeing programmes, rehabilitation, practical assistance, transport, cancer awareness initiatives and work to reduce health inequalities.

Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "We're delighted to see the NI Cancer Charities Grant Scheme enter its second year. Local cancer organisations know their communities best, wrapping support around people living with cancer in ways that are genuinely personal to them.

"Across Northern Ireland, this joint funding from Macmillan and the Department of Health is already helping bring cancer care closer to home, which will be key to closing unfair gaps. We can't wait to see the impact a second year of funding will make."

Richard Spratt, Chair of the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition (NICCC), said: "The continuation of this scheme for a second year is a welcome investment in the cancer charity sector and, most importantly, in the people and families it supports.

"Community organisations understand the needs of the people they serve. This funding will help them continue providing accessible, targeted and impactful support across Northern Ireland."

The scheme is open to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations operating in Northern Ireland with a clear cancer-related purpose. Applications open today (Thursday 10 September 2026) and close at 5pm on Friday 20 November 2026. Full details on eligibility, funding tiers and how to apply are available at www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/cancer-charities-grant-scheme-202627.