A new fund to support organisations and groups to deliver activities or courses that will improve adults’ understanding and use of maths in their daily lives, at home and work has opened
Multiply is a UK Government funded programme, launched as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which aims to help transform the lives of adults by improving their numeracy skills.
Organisations across the Scottish Borders can apply to Multiply for up to £20,000 to put towards the cost of developing new activities or courses that would allow adults to enhance their numeracy skills.
These activities or courses could allow adults to:
- increase their confidence with numbers
- upskill in order to access a certain job/career
- increase their numeracy skills to help their children/grandchildren
- use numeracy to better manage their money
Councillor Leagh Douglas, Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning
“Feeling confident with numbers helps in every aspect of life, from budgeting to cooking to home improvement projects, let alone in an education, workplace or other type of setting. However, if you feel nervous when it comes to numbers, you’re definitely not alone. Maths anxiety is a problem experienced by people at all levels of society, and it can be a real barrier to participation.
“Multiply aims to address these issues, with the first step being the launch of their grant funding programme. The team is keen to hear from groups and organisations from right across the Borders, with all suggestions considered.
“This is an exciting initiative to be part of with scope for a wide range of ideas to be put forward – creative, out of the box thinking is definitely welcomed.
“If you’ve maybe got an idea but aren’t sure if it would fit with the Multiply objectives, get in touch with the team and they’ll be happy to advise. Otherwise, I’d encourage you to have at look the application form and guidance and get your suggestions in before the closing date.”
Further information
More information about the eligibility criteria for the fund and how to apply is available.
Closing date for applications is 30 September 2023.
If anyone would like more information or has any queries, these can be emailed to: multiply@scotborders.gov.uk.
Once the courses and activities are established, they will be opened up to anyone resident in the Borders looking to increase their confidence in using maths in their daily life, at home and at work. Information about how these can be accessed will be publicised in due course.