PEOPLE are being encouraged to put their number skills to the test this month as part of a national numeracy campaign.

Throughout September, Wiltshire Council is supporting National Numeracy’s #Checktember initiative, which encourages everyone to spend 10 minutes a day checking and improving their numeracy skills.

People are being urged to take the National Numeracy Challenge to understand their current numeracy levels and use the online resources to boost number confidence.

As part of the effort, the Multiply team will be in the Atrium at County Hall, Trowbridge, on Monday, September 18, between 10am to 1pm, offering advice about the Multiply scheme and how to access support in Wiltshire.

Multiply offers tailored courses targeted towards adults over 19 years of age who do not currently have Level 2/GCSE maths at grade 4 – previously known as a C grade.

The council said people looking to build confidence with basic maths skills, whether that be to help them manage their personal finances or household budget, support their child with homework or get on in the work place, can all benefit from the free courses being offered.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “We’re delighted to join up with National Numeracy for Checktember.

“Many of us lack confidence when it comes to maths and it may be holding us back in life, work and home. However, improving your maths knowledge is something we can all do.

“Feeling confident with numbers can help us in all areas of life, from being at work wanting to make the most of a current role or looking to progress your career or for knowing where to start when it comes to budgeting and household finances.

“Taking part in this challenge or coming along to speak to the Multiply team about the opportunities available can help you to understand your current numeracy level and the support that is available in Wiltshire.

“As per our business plan, we are continuing to remove barriers to learning by offering free Multiply courses, supporting residents to improve their confidence and skill with numbers.”

Meanwhile, libraries across Wiltshire have a wide range of maths themed books, eBooks and audiobooks on offer, covering topics such as money matters, help with sums and maths for beginners, as well as books for children to develop their own maths skills.

For more information on the Multiply scheme, and the courses offered, log on to workwiltshire.co.uk/multiply.