New Research Coming Soon: The Economic Case for the 1001 Critical Days

In partnership with University College London (UCL)

The 1001 Critical Days Foundation has commissioned world-leading researchers at University College London (UCL) to undertake new economic research exploring the short-term financial benefits of investing in early intervention during the first 1001 days - from pregnancy to age two.

While existing studies highlight the long-term value of early years investment, this new research will focus on the short-term economic impact within a typical government spending review period.

By analysing real-world data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) - one of the most comprehensive birth cohort studies in the world - UCL researchers will quantify how supporting maternal mental health can improve outcomes for babies, families, and public services.

Why this research matters

• Around 1 in 5 new or expectant mothers in England experience perinatal mental health difficulties, yet only 1 in 20 receive adequate support.

• These challenges can have lasting effects on babies’ development and families’ wellbeing.

• Policymakers often lack short-term, actionable evidence showing how early investment benefits health, education, and economic outcomes within their term of office.

By modelling the potential economic returns of expanding NHS Talking Therapies and other early interventions, this research will provide powerful, evidence-based insights to help governments and funders act now, not later.

Timeline

The research is being conducted during autumn 2025 and will be published later this year.

“Understanding the economic value of supporting families in the first 1,001 days is critical to changing how governments invest in the future.”
- 1001 Critical Days Foundation