Multiply, funded by the UK Government, offers easy access to free numeracy courses and initiatives where learners can build confidence using numbers at work or in everyday life. There are also opportunities to gain a qualification.

Anyone over the age of 19 who does not already have a National 5 at grade C in maths is eligible to sign up.

Courses from beginner level to advanced level are delivered in Renfrewshire by community partners with something suitable for every style of learner.

Mum of four Amtal attended the Fun with Numbers course, delivered by Klas Care, as she wanted to support her children with their homework. She said: “I’m now more confident asking questions in class and can help my children with their homework. The group is great, and my children also enjoy attending the creche and playing number games with me.”

Another learner, Cat, attended the hands-on Practical Maths for Work course, delivered by Barnardo’s. In Practical Maths for Work, learners work outdoors to learn practical numeracy skills through building items like bird boxes and benches. “I really enjoyed spending time outside in the garden at Bernardo’s.” Cat said. “I found the course beneficial not just for improving my confidence with numbers but also in improving my mental health.”

Courses available:

Klas Care - delivering numeracy activities to parents of children in primary schools to gain confidence and help them to help their children with homework. Creche available.

RAMH – delivering cooking with numbers course, improving skills using numbers while you learn about the benefits of a healthy and balanced diet and learn how to shop wisely.

VIAS – providing money management courses to people with learning disabilities.

Reduce the Deficit with Renfrewshire Effort to Empower Minorities (REEM) - This project is designed to help women from diverse backgrounds improve their numeracy skills. It's a supportive and comfortable learning environment where women can develop their confidence in using numbers and basic arithmetic.

Practical Maths for Work (Hands On) with Barnardo's - Gain confidence with numbers through practical carpentry and countryside management. Working outdoors, you'll learn practical skills while building bird boxes, benches and decorative bricks. Learn how to plan, cost and measure materials. Learn about units of measurement and ratios. Work with money, costing individual units and working out potential profits.

Learning Providers

Community Learning and Development - Fun with Maths is a family learning programme about finding a love of maths through play and brushing up on maths skills.

West College Scotland - learning programme supporting individuals to improve their skills in using numbers. The Numeracy course offers a range of workshops which provide participants with the opportunity to:

Increase their confidence using numbers.

Improve their understanding of numbers.

Progress to education, training or employment.

Enhance their career opportunities.

Gain Numeracy and National 4/5 Maths SQA qualifications.

Access the Colleges wide resources and facilities.

Money Management

Renfrewshire CAB will be offering training and support to improve money management skills and will help clients to maximise available income, increase the use of appropriate financial products and avoid spiralling debt.

Renfrewshire Affordable Credit Alliance are running five interactive finances workshops this autumn. With quizzing, video and chat will help you unravel the jargon around money.

Further information on Multiply courses can be found on the Renfrewshire Council websitehttps://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/13101/Help-to-use-numbers-and-improve-maths-skills-Multiply

Many of these courses can be delivered in The Old Library in Kilbarchan, we just need you to let us know which one you would like to attend by contacting Sandra Brown, Multiply Officer on 07811054565.