Transformative programme empowers community on National Numeracy Day

Individuals living in Cornwall continue to benefit from Multiply: Skills for Life, a transformative programme aimed at enhancing numeracy skills and instilling profound confidence in mathematics.

The Multiply Project has received £2.5m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK SPF in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Launched at The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) in 2023, this fully funded government initiative offers maths courses to adults aged 19 and over, with the overarching objective – to support people in both workplace and daily life.

As the largest educational provider in the South West and top further education college for education and training in Cornwall, TCCG has strategically prioritised community engagement, extending its reach to employers, businesses and support centres.

In celebration of National Numeracy Day on Wednesday 22^nd May 2024, Cornwall College will mark the importance of “everyday maths” on its social media platforms and back the national campaign.

Amongst the communities reaping the benefits of the College’s Multiply programme is Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C), grassroots empowerment organisation.

Vicky Golland from CN4C commented: “Collaborating with Cornwall College has been instrumental in reaching, inspiring and serving members of the community, equipping them with enhanced numeracy skills that can unlock various opportunities.”

“The College has worked fantastically well with CN4C on a one-to-one basis, they understood our operational approach, particularly in engaging with the most marginalised communities,” Vicky added.

As Cornwall College’s Multiply programme grows to reach more employers and support centres, its impact continues to benefit individuals across the region.

Tom Smith, project outreach officer at TCCG emphasised: “At Cornwall College, we firmly believe in the transformative power of education.”

“The Multiply programme exemplifies our commitment to supporting individuals not only to thrive professionally but also to feel more confident in everyday lives, such as assisting children with their homework.”

Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for children and families and with responsibility for adult education, said: “Helping our residents gain those extra maths skills is so important. By offering tailored courses where everyone can feel comfortable, we can boost confidence and help our residents improve their prospects of getting a better job, and give them the skills to support their children with their maths learning,” added Barbara.

Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: “Shared Prosperity Funding enables the Multiply programme to offer even more opportunities for residents to access the skills they need to meet recruitment needs now and in the future, and in turn help grow Cornwall’s economy.”

Search for Cornwall College on social media for more information and coverage during National Numeracy Day.

To find out more about Multiply: Skills for Life, please visit cornwall.ac.uk/multiply/

To find out more about courses available at the Top FE College for education and training in Cornwall, visit cornwall.ac.uk