Games galore event to help Blackburn with Darwen residents improve their numeracy skills

Adults across Blackburn and Darwen who want to improve their numeracy skills can sign up for free courses and activities thanks to an investment aimed at boosting opportunities for more people to progress and secure well paid jobs.

Multiply is a government-funded programme to help adults improve their maths and as part of Blackburn with Darwen’s launch of the Multiply initiative there will be a ‘Games Fest’ event in King George’s Hall on Wednesday November 23.

It’s aimed at people aged 19 and over without a maths GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) and the programme will help people to access free numeracy courses to build their confidence with numbers and potentially gain a qualification.

This event will showcase the delivery partners involved and will demonstrate how learning maths and developing numeracy skills can benefit everyday life in a fun and interactive way. There will be:

• Games Galore
• Money Talks
• Virtual Reality experience
• Refreshments

Councillor Mustafa Desai, Executive Member for Adults Social Care and Health, said:

I would encourage residents to take part in this initiative. Research shows that sectors with a high proportion of workers with basic or advanced numeracy skills have experienced the most rapid growth in employment over the last decade. Local employers will also benefit from the scheme, with courses and activities tailored to a particular area or jobs at no cost to them offered to their employees to help boost their numeracy skills. This free course will help improve life skills which will lead on to a better quality of life which is welcome across the borough.

People who improve their numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and better wellbeing. Around 17 million adults in England – half of the working-age population – have the numeracy skills of primary school children. Poor numeracy skills can hold people back from having the confidence to get on in life and into work.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, said:

We are pleased to see the Government working closely with councils and devolved authorities to get the Multiply programme up and running at speed, as they know how best to deliver this much-needed investment and tailor it to local need.
They are trusted leaders of place with first-hand experience of delivering adult and community learning, as well as other council services which residents rely on, with the broadest reach into the voluntary, community and training sectors, housing associations and local employers. Local government is best placed to engage residents who would benefit from increasing their numeracy skills to get on in life and work.

Visit www.bwdlearning.org.