The purpose of the Support While Waiting Grant Scheme is to provide meaningful, community-based support to individuals while they await treatment on Health and Social Care (HSC) waiting lists.

It is intended that it will help to maintain or improve people’s health and wellbeing during extended waiting periods by funding projects that offer practical assistance, mental health support, and which encourage self-management.

It will also contribute to building capacity within the voluntary and community sector to deliver high-quality support programmes, aiming to ease pressure on statutory HSC services, consistent with the principles of the Neighbourhood Model of Care within the HSC Reset Plan.

Available Funding 2025/26

The Department will provide a funding pot of £0.5m to the Support While Waiting Grant Scheme.

Voluntary and community sector organisations will be eligible to apply for grants between £5,000 and £30,000 to deliver programmes that support individuals on HSC waiting lists.

Applicants may only submit one application to the Support While Waiting Grant Scheme.

Funding is a one-off payment which will be awarded by the end of March 2026 and programmes should start as soon as feasibly possible thereafter. All funds must be fully spent and activity completed by 31 March 2027. Recipients must notify the Department as soon as any underspend is identified, and all underspend must be repaid to the Department no later than 31 March 2027.

Applicants must also confirm that the funding requested does not duplicate any other sources of funding already secured for the same purpose.

To be eligible for funding, an organisation must meet the following requirements:

Applicants must:

i. Be a voluntary or community sector organisation* operating in Northern Ireland. (*Community Interest Companies (CICs) are not eligible to apply)

ii. Demonstrate a track record in delivering health, wellbeing, or social support programmes.

iii. Propose a project that directly supports individuals currently on HSC waiting lists
(inpatient, daycase, outpatient) in Northern Ireland with the aim of optimising their health, wellbeing, or daily functioning during the wait.

iv. Confirm appropriate governance as follows:

a) Legal Status and Governance

Be an independent, not-for-profit organisation with a clear constitution or rules that set out its aims, objectives, and how it operates. It must be bona fide, self-governing, and not controlled by any for-profit body.
Key policies/governance in place (e.g. safeguarding, current Access NI checks, equality, health & safety, complaints).

b) Financial Management

A bank account in the organisation’s name.
Annual accounts and appropriate financial controls to manage and report on grant funding.

c) Risk & Assurance

Appropriate insurance cover.

d) Capability to Deliver

Experience of providing health, wellbeing or social support services.
Systems for monitoring outcomes and reporting to funders.

Funded programmes must demonstrate how they meet the following requirements:

(a) Target Group

Participants must be currently on an HSC waiting lists for inpatient, outpatient, or daycase treatment.
Applicants must clearly state how individuals on waiting lists will be identified and engaged. Acceptable methods include:
- Referral partnerships with HSC Trusts or GPs
- Verification through appointment/waiting list letters
- Self-declaration processes supported by appropriate checks

(b) Free at Point of Access

All sessions and activities must be free for participants.

Sessions should be designed to reduce barriers to participation (e.g. accessible venues, online/hybrid delivery options, consideration of transport costs).

(d) Person-Centred Practical Support

Projects should provide support that helps participants maintain or improve their health and wellbeing while waiting. Examples include:
- Physical activity and mobility programmes
- Nutrition and healthy lifestyle support
- Pain management or condition-specific self-care
- Mental health support and stress reduction
- Peer support groups and social connection

(e) Accessibility, Inclusivity and Safety

Projects must be accessible and inclusive for participants with diverse needs (disabilities, language needs, carers, families).
Safeguarding policies and risk assessments must be in place.
Projects should actively work to reduce health inequalities and promote equality of opportunity.

The following costs are eligible:

Volunteer expenses
Up to 25% of a permanent member of staff’s annual salary, where the cost is directly attributable to the delivery of the proposed programme
Session costs for qualified practitioners and/or therapists
Materials and resources required for programme delivery
Reasonable overheads– capped at 10% of total grant
Venue hire for programme delivery
Direct cost of marketing, promotional, educational or awareness activity (leaflets, posters, etc) provided this is proportionate and targeted.

The grant cannot be used to fund:

Capital costs, such as building purchase, construction or major refurbishment
Property running costs, e.g. rent and rates
Salary costs already supported through other grants or funding sources
Costs incurred before the grant award letter is issued (retrospective costs)
Alcohol, cigarettes or other substances or activities considered harmful to health
Gifts or entertainment
Costs not clearly linked to supporting individuals on waiting lists
Loan repayments of debt servicing

The Department is now seeking applications for funding. The Grant Scheme will open on 4 December 2025 and close at noon on 30 January 2026.

For a further overview of the Scheme, please click on the link to the FAQ document below.

Support While Waiting Grant Scheme FAQ document

The application form and guidance are available by clicking below:

Application form and guidance for grants from £5,000 - £30,000

Please read the application guidance carefully before starting an application.

You may email a completed application form to:

WaitingWell@health-ni.gov.uk

Completed paper application forms can be posted to:

Support While Waiting Grant Scheme
Floor D1
Castle Buildings
Stormont Estate
BT4 3SQ

Completed forms must be received electronically or via post prior to the application deadline of 12pm on Friday 30January 2026.

Late applications will not be accepted.