Health Minister Robin Swann has announced the allocation of nearly £8m in support grants to a range of cancer charities in Northern Ireland

A total of 14 projects have received payments through the Cancer Charities Support Fund, part of a £24m package of funding made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support carers, cancer charities and mental health organisations.

Health Minister Robin Swann is joined by Roisin Wood, Chief Executive, Community Foundation, and Simon Darby and Lee Sheridan from Young Lives vs Cancer,  one if the groups receiving monies to provide a wide range of support services for cancer

Welcoming the initial grant payments to cancer charities, amounting to £7.95m, the Minister said: “When I first announced the availability of this funding in April, I was keen that the money would provide vital support to organisations whose work makes such a difference to the lives of those living with cancer, as well as their families and communities.

 “The pandemic has had a significant impact on cancer services. Alongside my department’s Cancer Recovery Plan and the 10 year Cancer Strategy, which has just been launched for public consultation, this grant funding will provide and expand much needed support for patients and families.

 “I am delighted to see these payments being made to charities and I will soon be announcing further grant allocations to support carers and mental health organisations.”

The Cancer Charities Support Fund will be available for three years and is managed by the Community Foundation which initially opened the grant by asking for applications in the range £30,000 to £1m.

A total of 14 applications were approved for projects including psychological support and counselling, improved access to support services, delivery of cancer rehabilitation programmes and enhanced palliative care.

Recipients include:

• Marie Curie - £775,379
• Southern Area Hospice Services Ltd - £862,046
• Northern Ireland Hospice - £804,079
• Foyle Hospice - £595,957
• Cancer Research UK - £660,000
• Cancer Focus NI - £565,020
• The Pink Ladies Cancer Support Group - £250,000
• Cancer Lifeline - £200,000
• Charis Cancer Care - £198,080.88
• Action Cancer - £499,995
• Young Lives vs Cancer (formerly CLIC Sargent) - £357,049
• Macmillan Cancer Support - £926,209
• Cancer Fund for Children - £857,882
• Action Cancer - £400,025
• Total awarded - £7,951,722

Community Foundation Chief Executive, Roisin Wood said: “The Community Foundation is delighted with the phenomenal response to these important funds, which will provide £7.95 million to organisations supporting people with cancer here.

“The funds will be available for three years, thereby making an impact over a longer period of time, which we know will create a meaningful difference in the lives of many.”

New funding for the Cancer Charities Support Fund, featuring smaller grants from £5,000 to £30,000, will open next month. Further information can be found on the Community Foundation website.

Notes to editors: 

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