Project to improve numeracy skills for adults launched

Ongo has launched the ‘Multiply project’ for adults over the age of 19, based in North Lincolnshire to gain basic numeracy skills.

Funding of £40,000 for this has been provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, through North Lincolnshire Council, and is set to help over 160 employed and unemployed people.

The project involves several sessions to build confidence and understanding, and help participants to use maths in everyday life, at home, and in a work environment.

Around 17 million adults in England, (half of the working age population), have everyday maths skills roughly equivalent to those expected of a primary school child. However, it is proven that people who improve their numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages and a better wellbeing.

This proves how numeracy is vitally important for an individual’s life chances, and for the economy as a whole.

Sessions will be held at Ongo venues including The Arc in Westcliff, The Viking Centre in Barton upon Humber and the Employment Support Centre on Cole Street, Scunthorpe.

Along with this, the team is also working closely with local employers to offer Multiply to their workforce, so far including IAC and New century foods.

The aim is to help their staff gain skills that will assist with boosting productivity, increase profits, and improve employee retention.

Marie Riggall, part of the Multiply team at Ongo said: “We’re very excited to be offering another fantastic project that gives people useful and practical skills that will help them live a better life.

“For many, maths and learning basic numeracy can seem quite daunting, but we’re here to show you that it’s not a scary subject and can be learnt very easily.

“It’s great for us to be working with local employers as well as individuals too, it shows their commitment to their workers and the benefit to them as well as the business.

“If you’d like to find out more, for yourself or your business, please just get in touch with us.”

For details of the Ongo Multiply project, please get in touch with Ongo’s Employment Support team or email marie.riggall@ongo.co.uk.