Reaseheath College has hosted a series of celebration events to mark the success of the Multiply project in Cheshire East, a Government-funded initiative aimed at improving numeracy skills among adults.
The project, led by Cheshire East Council and delivered in partnership with Reaseheath College and Springboard, has engaged more than 500 learners and throughout March, more than 100 learners attended celebration events at The Welcome in Knutsford, Reaseheath College in Nantwich, and The Space in Congleton, coming together with staff from all three organisations to reflect on the programme’s impact.
Multiply has offered a diverse range of learning opportunities and delivered 120 courses, with some run in partnership with 12 organisations and four employers.
Jane Carroll, Project Manager at Cheshire East Council, praised the initiative’s success, highlighting its role in improving financial inclusion, employment prospects, and overall wellbeing.
Jane said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people benefit from Multiply, and we’re grateful to all our partners for making this a reality.”
Adele Cook, Managing Director at Springboard, emphasised the project’s impact in widening participation, saying it had significantly increased the number of learners accessing their services. “The Multiply project allowed us to take a creative approach, designing courses that ‘hide the maths’ to make learning more engaging and less intimidating.”
Wei Ling, Multiply Project Manager at Reaseheath College, highlighted the programme’s hands-on approach: “By putting maths into something practical, people have been learning without even realising it, and that’s been key to the programme’s success.”
John Kendall, Assistant Principal at Reaseheath College, expressed his appreciation for the project’s success: “Multiply has helped so many people gain confidence with numbers, and it’s fantastic to celebrate that. The initiative has opened up new opportunities, showing just how practical and enjoyable learning can be.”
Multiply has made a lasting difference to many learners, giving them the confidence to take steps towards new careers, further education, and greater independence.
Sarah Cotton, a student at University Centre Reaseheath, credits Multiply with reigniting her passion for learning after a decade away from education. Participating in the Multiply Pizza and Programming course gave her the confidence to enrol in an Access to HE course, and she now plans to start a degree in 2025.
Agnieszka Kolasinska took part in the ‘Galentine’s’ floristry course, initially drawn in by its fun and creative nature. She found the experience incredibly supportive and confidence-boosting, inspiring her to continue learning. She now volunteers, has completed further courses, and is planning to train as a teaching assistant.
The event also showcased stories from learners like Lee and Gemma Wallace, who benefitted from the support offered by Springboard.
Lee, a healthcare assistant, wanted to progress his career. After completing Functional Skills qualifications, he is now studying for Level 2 Maths and training as an electrician. “Returning to learning made me realise that other career choices were available to me,” he said.
Gemma has taken a range of courses, including Entry Level Maths, as she works towards her goal of opening a cattery business. She said: “The courses I’ve taken have boosted my confidence with learning and helped me support my children with their homework.”
Nick Sherburn, CEO of The Welcome in Knutsford, where several Multiply courses were delivered, praised the initiative for its innovative and engaging approach. He noted that Reaseheath’s cookery classes not only taught practical skills but also helped participants improve their numeracy in a fun, interactive environment. Many attendees found the sessions invaluable in building confidence and reducing social isolation.
The success of Multiply demonstrates how accessible learning opportunities can have a transformative impact on individuals and communities. Although the project has now finished, adults looking to build their confidence with numbers can continue their learning journey through the National Numeracy Challenge, a free online tool available at nationalnumeracy.org.uk
Reaseheath College offers a range of adult learning courses, including numeracy, digital skills, and vocational training. Anyone looking to build their confidence, gain qualifications, or explore new career pathways should visit Adult Courses at Reaseheath – Reaseheath College
