AN AYRSHIRE debt and welfare advice charity is planning to roll out innovative new ways to boost local residents' numeracy skills.

CHAP - the Comunity Housing Advocacy Project - will work with North Ayrshire Counicl on ways to help people learn how numbers work in the real world, in the hope of helping them manage their household budgets better.

They have been awarded cash for the project as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Debbie Alexander, CHAP's chief executive, said: “Numeracy in practice isn’t like the dreaded Maths lesson at school. It’s about managing household income against expenditure; knowing what, when and how numbers – money in particular – work in the real world.

“Understanding numbers empowers people and nobody should be afraid of learning more, at any age."

This is the logic behind the new ‘Multiply Project’ across North Ayrshire.

Paul Montgomery, a community development worker with North Ayrshire Council (NAC), explained: "The NAC Multiply team are really looking forward to getting this innovative project up and running.

“Working with CHAP, we will be offering a wide range of info sessions, 1:1 supports, learning groups, drop-in sessions and online classes, all of which are aimed at improving confidence around numeracy.” 

National Numeracy Day is May 17 this year and to kick things off, the Multiply team at CHAP will be holding a welcome meeting in Ardrossan where they will offer a free session on money management, budgeting, understanding the terminology of money management in the real world; plus giving practical hints and tips on saving money.

This will take place at the Michael Lynch Centre for Enterprise in Glasgow Street on Wednesday, May 17 at 12 noon. Places for this session are limited and pre-registration is advised by 4pm on Monday, May 15.  

North Ayrshire Council leader Marie Burns said: “We want to break down the barriers that numbers can present and give people positive, hands-on experiences around everyday numeracy skills.

“Whether it's help with budgeting; advice on how to help with your child’s maths homework, or you're just not as confident using numbers as you'd like – the Multiply Project can help.

“Our team will be working alongside the brilliant staff at CHAP, who already offer fantastic support and look forward to doing our bit to improve numeracy skills across North Ayrshire.”

Anyone who wants to find out more is invited to contact Robin Ballantyne by emailing rballantyne@chap.org.uk and/or to register to attend the free session.

Further sessions will be scheduled in due course and no prior knowledge or qualifications are required (or assumed) in order to attend.