More than 12,000 people in North Yorkshire have been supported to improve their numeracy skills, enabling them to refresh their maths to boost their careers, progress to further education or improve job opportunities.

Over the last three years, the Multiply project has been instrumental in helping to improve the maths skills of thousands of people over the age of 18 across North Yorkshire and York after a £3.3 million investment was secured from the government.

Among those to benefit is Jackie Walton, who had known all her schooling life that equations were not her strong point, even though her mother was a maths teacher.

The 56-year-old enrolled on a number of courses through us to not only improve her numeracy skills and confidence, but to banish the stigma surrounding maths that caused her so much “shame and embarrassment”.

Jackie, who lives in a small village near Osmotherley, admitted going back to the classroom was daunting, but she praised tutors for the help that she has received.

“It was nerve-racking and felt very strange, but I needn't have worried at all,” she said. “The staff and other participants soon put me at ease. I enrolled on courses including a slow cooker workshop, as well as candle making, soup making, and creating fondant flowers. I also completed training in information, advice and guidance training, professional boundaries and safeguarding.”

The courses in Northallerton were flexible and boosted Jackie’s ability and skills to use maths and numbers effectively in her day-to-day life.

“As the courses used maths in many different ways, it started becoming automatic that I transferred this learning into everyday life and also problem solving,” she said. “I would add up or estimate the cost of a basket of shopping whilst in the supermarket or when I'm calculating the size of fabric needed for some creative project, I now don't waste any.”

The Multiply programme, which has recently come to a conclusion, has seen huge success in North Yorkshire. It was supported by a partnership between our Adult Learning Service, City of York Council’s York Learning and a consortium led by Better Connect, the Knaresborough-based organisation responsible for boosting skills and training.

According to figures, more than 12,000 people have been supported on the numeracy scheme with 5,500 enrolling on a course. Half of those that have completed a course with Multiply have progressed to further learning as a result.

Our executive member for education, learning and skills. Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Numeracy is a vital skill that has so many practical applications in everyday life.

“Jackie is living proof that these courses really can help to improve confidence, change lives and open up new opportunities.

“Well done to all the learners who signed up to courses, passed and now have the confidence to take steps towards new careers, further education and greater independence.”

Looking to the near future, Jackie is set to embark on a training and education course.

She said: “You never know what opportunities may open up to you from saying ‘yes’ to something. Thanks to everyone at the council who has supported, encouraged and believed in me.”