Living Well 2026

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 will support applied health and social care research that aims to develop innovative ways to help people live well after arthritis diagnosis or treatment, while addressing health inequalities. Proposals should take the need to move support and care into the community, and the long-term combined impact of arthritis on a person's physical, psychological and social health into account. Proposals should aim to address changes across the life course; we are particularly interested in the transition from childhood onset into adulthood.
 
We want to identify ways to improve long term outcomes after an arthritis diagnosis or treatments, including across self-management, non-drug and non-surgical health and social care approaches and effective remote monitoring while minimising digital exclusion.
 
We expect the outcomes from this investment to help implement interventions into practice – either through co-developed projects with a clear path to implementation, or through proposals that focus on implementing interventions already supported by strong evidence.
 
We expect interventions to improve outcomes in any of the following areas:

  • Empowering patients to make better health decisions when considering supported self-management and lifestyle changes
  • Improving the health pathway by supporting patients in making informed 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.

How to apply

Applicants are invited to submit applications through the Arthritis UK Awards Portal (from 1 April).

There is a one-stage application process.

Applicants should carefully read the call document (PDF 218 KB), guidance documentation (PDF 389 KB), and application form (anticipated available from 1 April), before starting an application.

Please ensure that the most appropriate language is being used in each section of the form and that the correct sections are completed.

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