Free courses to boost everyday skills for adults in Lancashire

Multiply is a 3-year funded programme from the Department for Education, providing free online and in-person opportunities to improve skills and gain qualifications.

From managing household bills and helping children with homework to achieving a qualification or getting precise measurements with baking, Multiply provides support with everyday activities that involve using numbers.

Lancashire County Council is working with four local providers who have well established links in all districts and with local community groups to deliver the programme.

County Councillor Jayne Rear, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:

"Multiply is an innovative new scheme to help those who lack confidence in budgeting, understanding financial information and basic maths skills. There are lots of ways that Multiply courses can provide support to improve these important skills.

"The courses are free and flexible and can be accessed either online or at a centre local to you. I encourage anyone who wants to boost their confidence in numbers to take a look at what's on offer."

The courses are available to anyone aged 19+ who does not already have a GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) in maths.

The providers for the Multiply programme are The Lancashire Colleges, Workers' Educational Association (WEA), Inspira and PHX Training.

Lancashire County Council is holding an event at Farington Lodge, Leyland on Wednesday 18 January from 1:15-4pm to raise awareness of Multiply. There will be opportunities for stakeholders to connect with those delivering the courses to ensure they are confident in making referrals to Multiply. You can register your interest in attending the event or find out more about Multiply by emailing Multiply@lancashire.gov.uk.

You can find out more about Multiply and sign up using this link: Multiply - Lancashire County Council

To find out more about the programme, visit the Skills For Life website.