The Northern Ireland Executive has confirmed a £500,000 investment to extend the Support While Waiting Grant Scheme for another year.
Health Minister Robbie Butler stated that while reducing waiting times remains a priority, patients require ongoing care during their wait.
Voluntary and community organisations will receive funding to deliver free assistance covering practical needs alongside emotional and mental health services.
The scheme targets individuals facing delays in neurology, orthopaedics, gynaecology and mental health departments across the region.
Organisations are expected to help more than 2,400 patients and their families build confidence and manage existing conditions.
Applications open on Friday 25 September 2026 with a deadline of 12 noon on Friday 6 November 2026.
Funding must be spent by 31 March 2028 to support projects providing free care to people on Health and Social Care NI waiting lists.
The Department of Health notes that behind every statistic is an individual person requiring attention.
Minister Butler emphasised the importance of maintaining health and wellbeing while awaiting medical intervention.
Projects will focus on a range of different services to address diverse patient needs.
The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours media enquiry service between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays.