Community Foundation for Northern Ireland Celebrates the Impact of £30M in Health Funds

20 Nov 2024

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland have held a celebration in recognition of the impact of the Mental Health, Cancer and Carers support funds. The event held at the Tullyglass hotel, Ballymena, was organised to celebrate the impact of the Health Funds; to acknowledge the importance of the VCSE sector to unpaid carers, cancer patients and people with mental ill health; and to re-emphasise the role of the VCSE sector in achieving better health outcomes and the need for further investment.

The Mental Health, Cancer and Carers Support Funds were established by the Department of Health in 2021 and managed by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland over the last 3 years. Across the 3 funds, over £29M was allocated to over 230 projects across Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Róisín Wood, said: “Today’s celebration highlights the tremendous impact of the Mental Health, Cancer, and Carers Support Funds, and the vital role that the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector plays in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our society. However, we must remember that the work is far from finished. Continued investment in the VCSE sector is crucial to ensuring that we can maintain and expand these essential services for those living with mental ill health, cancer, and the carers who support them. Together, we can continue to work towards better health outcomes for all, building a stronger, more resilient community for the future.”

Speaking at the event, Director of Grants at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Orla Black, said: ” It has been a privilege to see the transformative effect of the Mental Health, Cancer, and Carers Support Funds over the past three years. With over £29 million allocated to more than 230 projects, we’ve been able to support incredible initiatives that make a real difference to people’s lives. These projects have provided vital support to those affected by mental health challenges, cancer, and the tireless carers who support them. This celebration is not just about reflecting on what’s been achieved, but also about reinforcing our commitment to ensuring investment continues to reach communities and families who need them most. The VCSE sector is essential in delivering effective, person-centred care, and it is crucial that we continue to invest in it to build a healthier, more inclusive Northern Ireland.”

Speaking about the event, Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt MLA, said:
“I want to recognise all of those individuals and organisations involved in the delivery of the Mental Health, Cancer and Carers Support Funds and for helping to realise the many positive outcomes and success stories that we have heard at the celebratory event today. These health initiatives clearly show how collaborative and multiagency approaches can help address health inequalities across our communities.”