Community leaders across the UK can now apply for Take the Lead: Data Champions 2027, a funding programme supporting communities to explore how data can improve health and wellbeing.
The programme offers up to 20 community leaders £3,000 each to deliver activities that help their communities engage with data in ways that are impactful, relevant and locally led. Participants will also have the opportunity to build connections with data scientists, develop their confidence in working with data, and join a UK-wide network of community leaders.
Take the Lead: Data Champions is delivered by Health Data Research UK in partnership with DARE UK (Data and Analytics Research Environments UK), Smart Data Research UK, Cancer Research UK, and the NIHR School for Primary Care Research.
Exploring health and wellbeing using data
Data plays an important role in helping us understand and improve health and wellbeing. It can take many forms, including numbers, written information and images, and is increasingly used to support research that benefits society.
Take the Lead supports community organisations and groups to explore data in ways that reflect the priorities and interests of their communities. No previous experience in data, science or research is required. The programme is open to community leaders with strong community connections and a willingness to learn.
This year’s programme is inviting projects on a variety of health and wellbeing themes:
- Sustainable and healthy diets
- Environment and health
- Young people’s mental health
- Cancer
- Heart health
- Brain health
Funded organisations will be supported to build their understanding of data and strengthen relationships with researchers and data professionals. Community leaders will also attend an expenses-paid, in-person event to connect with fellow Data Champions and share learning and experiences.
Elizabeth Waind, Senior Engagement Manager at DARE UK, said:
“DARE UK’s mission is to enable more trustworthy and impactful sensitive data research to improve lives. Take the Lead provides an invaluable opportunity to raise awareness and excitement for the power of data for public good, in a way that’s tangible and meaningful for different communities. We’re delighted to be able to support community-led initiatives that get people thinking about data locally.”
Who can apply?
The programme is open to leaders within UK-based community organisations that work with one or more of the following groups:
- People from low socio-economic backgrounds
- People from minority ethnic backgrounds
- Older children and young adults aged between 11-25 (particularly in areas of deprivation)
- People aged over 65 (particularly in areas of deprivation)
- People living in rural areas (defined as a settlement of less than 10,000 people in England and Wales, less than 5,000 people in Northern Ireland and less than 3,000 people in Scotland)
- People experiencing digital exclusion
Become a Data Champion
Applicants from organisations who have previously received Take the Lead funding are welcome.
Applications close on Monday 2 November 2026 at 5pm GMT.
