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The council is working in partnership with Weston College to deliver ‘Multiply’, a national numeracy programme for adults across North Somerset funded by the Department for Education, forming part of their ‘Skills for Life’ campaign. This is thanks to a successful bid of £837,241 in funding from the West of England Combined Authority.
The programme, which will be delivered until March 2025, includes sessions to suit a range of people – from informal maths cafés and cost of living courses to help people with general household finances, to targeted help available for those with English as a second language, and parents and carers. People can also choose to continue into a formal qualification in maths should they wish.
Weston College Group Principal and Chief Executive, Sir Paul Phillips, commented: “We are delighted to be able to support local people to gain important maths qualifications through the Multiply programme. We are passionate about creating brighter futures, and Multiply will do just that. It will positively impact local residents, and open the doors to employment, further education or job progression.”
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s executive member responsible for lifelong learning, said: “Securing this funding means we’re able to roll out a valuable free programme offering advice and support to those who want to boost their understanding of numbers. We’re offering a range of courses to help with a variety of topics from managing money to helping children with their homework.
“I hope that the programme will demonstrate the benefits of numeracy skills to people, and how improving their skills can have a positive impact and improve their lives. Having the chance to improve mathematical ability can help people to apply for more jobs, often securing a higher income, as well as increasing confidence in day-to-day transactions. I urge those eligible to sign up today.”
People can find out more, including how to sign up, at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/multiply.