The University of Essex and Royal Hospital Chelsea KTP 24_25 R5

A charity’s outreach programme for older UK Armed Forces veterans is being put under a data-driven microscope to find out what actually works against loneliness. Loneliness among older veterans is a recognised problem, but charities often lack the rigorous evidence to know which activities—social events, phone calls, group outings—truly reduce isolation, and which simply feel good without lasting effect. This project fills that gap by applying specialist research methods to measure impact systematically, rather than relying on anecdote or goodwill. If successful, the work will produce two concrete outcomes. First, the charity will gain evidence-based loneliness mitigation strategies it can deploy with confidence. Second, the data will help the charity diversify its income streams—showing funders and donors exactly what their money achieves, which in turn supports long-term financial stability. The research is applied and practical: it does not aim to uncover fundamental principles of social connection, but to give one organisation the tools to run smarter, more effective programmes for the people it serves.