Residents urged to make numbers count and join new Multiply training courses

Renfrewshire residents who want to be more confident using numbers and maths are being urged to sign up for a new range of training and support.

The new Multiply programme for Renfrewshire offers a range of learning activities designed to help use numbers in everyday life.

The programme is managed and delivered by Renfrewshire Council and partners and funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Activities and support are currently on offer from KLAS Care, Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH), Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau, Values into Action Scotland, West College Scotland and Renfrewshire Council’s adult and family learning team.

Partners met recently at KLAS Care’s Linwood base to hear about the ‘learn through play’ model and discuss the various activities on offer.

Sandra Brown, Multiply Officer for Renfrewshire Council, said: “We want everyone to ‘make numbers count’ and feel confident in their numeracy skills.

“Everyday life throws up so many circumstances where you need a grasp of numbers. We know that anyone who hasn’t used numbers like this since school sometimes struggle, and that has a knock-on impact in their ability to deal with everyday issues.”

“Multiply means that people can learn at a time and place that suits them, with like-minded people, and gain a bit of confidence or even a certified qualification.”

Councillor Andy Steel, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s economic and regeneration policy board, said: “A bad school experience can put you off learning, but the Multiply programme is not like going back to school.

“It’s about getting skills for life. Getting help now, and having some fun in the process, to give people a lifelong confidence in using numbers that will really make a difference.

“Local partners have identified the areas where people can benefit most. It might be money management, helping your children with their homework or wanting to understand weights and measures when cooking. It might also be getting a qualification to open up career and job opportunities.”

Details of training courses and support available through the Multiply programme are online at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/multiply