Health Minister commends role of Knitted Knockers in breast cancer support
Date published:
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted the essential role of the voluntary and community sector during a recent visit to Knitted Knockers in Lurgan.
Minister Nesbitt learned more about how the charity, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, provides handmade, lightweight breast prostheses for women who have undergone a mastectomy or breast surgery.
Speaking after the visit, Minister Nesbitt said:
“This is a wonderful example of volunteers coming together to provide support for those living with breast cancer. Joanne Harris and her team of dedicated volunteer knitters produce over 5,000 free, handmade prostheses every year for women who have had a mastectomy or breast reconstruction.
“I am committed to improving the breast assessment service for women across Northern Ireland and the latest statistics show substantial progress in this area with current assessment waiting times halved from 12 weeks in September 2025 to 5 weeks 2 days.
“In addition to medical intervention, the compassionate support from charities like Knitted Knockers is vital, creating a social environment through the Breast Friends Clubhouse, as well as providing mental health and wellbeing assistance.”
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: L-R Hope Graham, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Joanne Harris at the new location for Knitted Knockers NI in Lurgan.
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