Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries will attend the Discovering Ashfield Awards celebration at Kirkby Leisure Centre on Friday, where it has been nominated for its Kirkby Multiply courses.

The event will celebrate local residents and businesses that have gone above and beyond to support the community during the past year.

Inspire’s Multiply courses aim to help people brush up on their maths skills and become more confident with numbers. Funded by the government’s Skills for Life programme, Multiply has supported almost 1,000 residents to develop their numeracy skills and grow their confidence in maths since it launched in 2022.

From fundamental maths skills to household budgeting, work skills and helping kids with their homework, Multiply courses are designed for both complete beginners and those wanting to build on their existing maths knowledge in a supportive and relaxed environment. There’s also opportunities for progression, with learners able to move on to recognised maths qualifications if they wish.

Delivered at Inspire libraries, including the newly-refurbished Kirkby Library and Learning Centre, people can get help taking those first steps towards a more formal numeracy qualification, and get help to manage their money more effectively. There’s also courses for parents who want to increase their skills so they can help their children, with many classes designed for families.

Ian Bond, INSPIRE, director of learning said; “It’s incredible to have been nominated for the Discovering Ashfield Award. We’ve been delighted with the success of the Multiply programme in Kirkby so far, and the feedback we’ve had from learners has been extremely encouraging.

“For many people, anxiety around maths can really impact their day-to-day lives, and learners have told us how great it’s been to brush up on the basics in a relaxed, no pressure environment with other people who feel the same. I’d like to thank all our tutors for their hard work and for the enthusiasm and commitment they’ve shown – and thank you too to all our learners.”

Matthew, a local resident who has been working with Multiply, said: “I didn’t get my maths GCSE at school as my grades were low. I find that jobs ask for a GCSE and as my boss is very supportive, he suggested a course. I did the three sessions of Multiply ‘Maths… But Less Scary’ in March 2023 at my local library. The tutor was really good and explained it to me in a way I understood. After the course, I decided to enrol on the Maths Functional Skills course so I can work towards getting my Level 2.”

Further information can be found at inspireculture.org.uk/multiply