Derry's Hive among Cancer Charities Grant Scheme recipients
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced Derry-based Hive is among 16 cancer service charities which will benefit from a share of the Cancer Charities Grant Scheme.
The grant scheme, which is funded by the Department of Health and Macmillan Cancer Support, aims to ensure charities, voluntary and community sector organisations can deliver cancer support services and projects across local communities in Northern Ireland.
Hive in Derry raise awareness of prevention and early detection screening services, as well as providing holistic cancer support.
Minister Nesbitt this week highlighted how the scheme had been developed through a co-design process working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition to target help for people across Northern Ireland.
The Minister said the service provided by local charities like Hive is invaluable. “This funding scheme will help transform the lives of people living with cancer and their families, offering personalised support in a community setting. Working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support has enabled an innovative approach with the focus firmly on meeting the needs of those affected by cancer.
“By empowering charities to deliver earlier, more localised support, we can help people stay well for longer and reduce avoidable pressure on hospital services.
“During recent visits to cancer charities, I have seen first-hand the powerful potential of community action when it comes to delivering outstanding cancer support. It is clear local charities are at the heart of it, playing an essential role alongside HSC staff and patients’ friends and families. I would like to thank Macmillan Cancer Support for their generous funding; this scheme truly shows how much government and the charitable sector can achieve by working collaboratively.”
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It’s brilliant to see the first of the grants being put into action and the benefits it will bring to people with cancer in the local area. These projects announced today are exactly the kind of programmes the grant scheme was set up to fund, to ensure people with cancer receive the personalised care they need, close to home and delivered from within their communities. It’s only by working together with local charities and communities that we can close some of the gaps in cancer care that we see too often today.”
The funding will support services including mental health support, rehabilitation and prehabilitation, transport services, awareness and education initiatives and programmes addressing health inequalities.