Living Well 2026

Please note, we are transitioning to a new grant management system. We anticipate associated guidance materials being available in mid-March and our new grant management system being accessible from 1 April.

Deadline: 16:00 Wednesday 24 June 2026
Costs: £400,000 to £1,000,000
Duration: Up to 36 months
Funding Decision: January 2027
Contact: awards@arthritis-uk.org 

What are we looking for?

This investment is seeking to support applied health and social care research, proposing new solutions for optimising the ability to live well following diagnosis or treatment of arthritis while addressing health inequalities. Solutions should take in to account the long-term combined impact of arthritis on a person's physical, psychological and social health. Proposals should address changes across the life course; we are particularly interested in the transition from childhood onset into adulthood. 

We are interested in identifying ways to improve long term outcomes following diagnosis or treatment of arthritis; across self-management, non-pharmacological and non-surgical health and social care interventions and implementation of remote disease monitoring whilst minimising digital exclusion. We want to support co-developed projects that have a clear path to implementation. Where the evidence for effective interventions exists, we are interested in proposals that lead to implementation.

We expect the outcomes from this investment to bring progress towards implementation of interventions to improve long term outcomes in the following areas:

  • Empowering patients with the necessary information to make better health decisions when considering supported self-management and adjustment solutions
  • Improving the health pathway for patients when making decisions with their care teams

Who can apply?

  • The lead applicant must be based at an eligible UK institution.  
  • One applicant must have a tenured position within the lead institute.

What can you apply for?

  • Costs for salaries, expenses and small items of essential equipment can be requested.
  • Awards of up to 36 months duration, between £400,000 - £1,000,000 in value are available.
  • We plan to invest up to £2 million across 2-5 awards.
  • Further details on what you can apply for will be posted here in the coming weeks.

How to apply

  • Further details on how to apply will be posted here when the call launches in late March 2026.
  • There is a one-stage application process.
  • The deadline for the receipt of applications will be 16:00 Wednesday 24 June 2026. Please allow time for management of appropriate reviewers and signatories to access the grant management system and provide their approvals. Submissions after 16:00 will not be accepted.
  • If you have any questions about the call, please email: awards@arthritis-uk.org