Nearly 7,500 people have benefited from vital support to manage their finances, explore new opportunities and support their families, thanks to a successful project.
The Multiply programme has given residents the numeracy skills they need for everyday life, to allow them to be confident in things like budgeting, working out bills, helping with children’s homework and improving job prospects.
Since 2022, the Government-funded project has seen more than 2,700 Leicestershire learners attend free courses and another 4,700 receive support.
The programme has been delivered by Leicestershire County Council’s Adult Learning Service, in partnership with 17 organisations, including further education colleges, training providers and charitable and voluntary groups.
Multiply has been a fantastic example of partnership working that has delivered real and lasting benefits for individuals and communities across Leicestershire. The increase in learners' confidence is testament to the hard work of our team and partners.
Helping people gain the confidence to manage their finances, explore new opportunities and support their families is transforming lives.
Person:Councillor Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council
Multiply was funded by £3m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver hundreds of free courses, support and workshops to adults aged 19 and over without a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in maths or equivalent and needed to improve their numeracy skills.
Learning took place in 65 community-based venues—ranging from libraries to workplaces and local hubs. A total of 217 courses were delivered, tailored to suit learners of all backgrounds, while 98 people trained as numeracy champions to continue spreading confidence and practical skills in their communities.
Ninety-eight per cent of learners reported increased confidence with numbers after taking part.
Participants were also encouraged to complete challenges to put their learning into real world practice, with 1,167 successfully completed.
Although the Multiply programme has now ended, Leicestershire Adult Learning Service has a wide range of courses available through its GoLearn programme.