There are different ways to get involved – from applying to become a SHAPE site, to sharing learning, contributing evidence and staying connected with the programme as it develops.

Apply to become a SHAPE site

The SHAPE Challenge Fund is now open for applications.

We are looking for local partnerships from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England that want to turn evidence into practical action and address challenges around housing and ageing in their area.

Successful applicants will become SHAPE sites, working with the programme to develop, implement and learn from practical approaches in real-world settings. Learning from the sites will be shared more widely through SHAPE to help inform practice across the UK.

Find out more about the SHAPE Challenge Fund

Administered by the Vivensa Foundation, the SHAPE Challenge Fund is now open. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 12 March 2027.

Share learning and collaborate

SHAPE is also designed as an exchange, bringing together knowledge and experience from across housing, health, social care and communities.

We want to hear about relevant work already happening across the UK – including practical examples, emerging approaches, research and lessons from implementation.

There will be opportunities throughout the programme to share learning, contribute to discussions and connect with others working on similar challenges.

Contribute to knowledge and evidence

SHAPE will develop and curate practical resources to help turn evidence into action.

We welcome contributions from older people and people with lived experience, organisations, researchers and practitioners who can help strengthen the evidence base, highlight good practice and identify where further learning is needed.

Who should get involved?

We want to engage with a wide range of people and organisations, including:

  • local authorities and health and social care partners;
  • housing providers and developers;
  • voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations;
  • organisations representing or working with older people;
  • researchers and academics;
  • social impact investors and funders;
  • designers, architects and other built environment professionals; and
  • partners interested in implementing, testing or scaling approaches that support better housing and ageing, including funders and organisations that can help unlock wider investment.

Stay informed

SHAPE will continue to develop over the five-year programme, with new resources, learning, events and opportunities to get involved.

Join the Housing LIN and select SHAPE to receive programme updates.

Contact

For enquiries relating to this programme, contact SHAPE@housinglin.org.uk