NI cancer charities to get £2m boost for community services

Cancer charities in Northern Ireland have welcomed a funding scheme, which will see a £2m boost to the sector.

The Department of Health has launched the new scheme in conjunction with the NI Cancer Charities Coalition.

The grant's model means the department will provide £1m over the next year, with matched funding from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Smaller projects can access up to £25,000, while larger ones can receive grants up to £150,000.

Christine Campbell, who received a terminal cancer diagnosis, said grant money like this helped support her.

She said her physical and mental needs at the time went beyond just her chemotherapy treatment and "grassroot groups proved invaluable" to her.

"I was able to access counselling through a local charity and seek advice on employment rights, welfare advice, personal and dietary care," she said.

She said it helped reduce extra stress and that grants like these "are so important in supporting those affected by cancer outside the hospital setting".

Gemma Peters from Macmillan Cancer Support said the grants would "create important opportunities to close current gaps in cancer care".

She said the money contributed by Macmillan would be invested in community services, and the charity itself would not be applying for grants from the scheme.

Richard Spratt from the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition said the scheme it developed along with the department put a "strong emphasis on equity and community-based delivery".

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the various cancer charities in Northern Ireland each offered different services to patients.

"This new funding model will secure a future of more personalised, targeted support for people in Northern Ireland, whoever they are and wherever they live," he said.

"Community charities play an essential role alongside HSC staff and the support of loved ones, and this scheme recognises their impact."