The government has allocated up to £559 million of DfE funding through the ‘Skills for Life’ programme, to local councils and mayoral combined authorities to improve the numeracy skills of UK adults. The programme will last for three years and aims to help adults improve their number confidence and skills in daily life, at home and work. This can result in better employment opportunities and wellbeing.

The Multiply programme will support adults to unlock their potential:

  • looking for work
  • clarifying household finances
  • helping children with homework
  • to gain formal qualifications
  • and more.

With 20% of people experiencing maths anxiety, and 36% saying they would like to improve their numeracy and maths skills, this programme is key to helping those adults who need it most.

Somerset County Gazette:

SS&L are now offering a range of free, flexible courses for those adults in Somerset who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in maths, or equivalent. They aim to help those who need or want to build up their maths confidence and skills, or who experience anxiety when faced with maths. These courses are ideal for adults who are not ready to access SS&L’s existing courses, such as Functional Skills and GCSE maths. Visit Everyday Maths Made Easier For You to find out more.

Employers can also benefit by accessing these free numeracy courses to support their staff. SS&L courses can help to plug skills gaps, boost productivity, increase profits, and improve employee retention. If your organisation is interested in finding out more and discussing your needs, or contacting SS&L, visit Build Maths Confidence In Your Staff.

Kathryn Baker, CEO of SS&L said, “We understand adults may not have had a good maths experience at school. Others have been away from education for a long time. This impacts their confidence and ability to reach their full potential. We know that with the right support, everyone can do maths. We’re so pleased to be running the Multiply programme across Somerset.”

Cllr Val Keitch, Lead Member for Local Government Re-organisation and Prosperity, said, “Somerset County Council is pleased to be working with SS&L to provide support to individuals looking to improve their confidence with numbers and skill up in maths. We hope it will help a significant number of adults with managing their finances, supporting their families, and perhaps with making a start on achieving a numeracy qualification they have yet to attain, to open up more opportunities for work. Employers can also benefit from this initiative in terms of upskilling their workforce.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Lack of confidence with numbers can mean you find it difficult to budget, feel stressed and insecure about managing your money, struggle to progress at work or dread helping your children with their homework. It’s an essential skill that helps you get the best out of your life, and however you feel about numbers, SS&L can help you feel better about everyday maths.

They’re running a variety of free courses to build your maths confidence and skills. SS&L's courses are creative, relaxed and make learning fun and supportive. Their tutors have been carefully chosen to make sure they’re the right people for you. Explore courses now– and stop letting numbers hold you back.