Veterans Aid supports ex-servicemen and women in crisis, particularly those at risk of homelessness. From crisis accommodation and mental health referrals to support with addiction, employment and long-term housing, the charity helps veterans move from survival to stability.
Problem
In 2019, Veteran’s Aid approached us to help assess the value of its support. Working with volunteer economist Ingrid Petrie, we analysed a sample of 230 client interventions. The early findings showed a potential gross benefit of £965,000 – linked to outcomes such as stable housing, improved mental health and sustained employment.
We also shared practical steps to improve future evaluations, including:
- Collecting follow-up data at six-month intervals
- Capturing the full lifecycle costs of support
The charity acted quickly on these recommendations, strengthening its systems and embedding follow-up processes to track outcomes over time.
Solution
By 2024, Veterans Aid had built a richer dataset and clearer evaluation goals. Through our Data First Aid service, we matched its team with a volunteer team from Cambridge Econometrics.
Using follow-up data from 246 veterans supported in 2022–23, the team analysed outcomes lasting up to 18 months after the had ended – ranging from stable housing to staying off drugs or alcohol, employment and improved mental health.
To figure out how much of the change was really caused by Veterans Aid’s work, the team looked at different possible situations to see what might have happened without its help. This approach ensured realistic, transparent estimates of the charity’s contribution.
The results showed strong and lasting impact:
- Net benefit estimated at £1m–£2.6m
- Benefit-to-cost ratio of between 2:1 to 5:1
- Nearly 90% of interventions were successful
- 96% success rate for crisis accommodation
- Positive outcomes sustained over 18 months
Read the full report, also featured in PoliticsHome
Benefits
Veterans Aid’s evidence-led approach has strengthened internal learning, improved delivery, decision-making and built greater confidence among funders.
“The insights gained through this partnership will not only enhance our operational effectiveness but also provide funders with a clearer understanding of the return on investment that Veterans Aid delivers.”
Natalia Michaelides, Chief of Staff at Veterans Aid