A programme offering free numeracy training courses is reaching out to Stoke-on-Trent residents in the run up to Christmas.
The Stoke By Numbers Bus is stationed in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre this week to give visitors expert advice and help to find the right course for them.
Stoke By Numbers is part of the government’s £560 million national programme, Multiply, which aims to transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of adults across the UK by offering flexible and free training.
Courses are available at a variety of locations across the city.
Antoinette Lythgoe, Chief Financial Officer and Interim CEO at Stoke on Trent College who lead the marketing activity for the Stoke By Numbers programme, said:
“We are delighted to have the Number Bus returning to Stoke-on-Trent, just in time for the festive season. This is a vital time of year, when numeracy skills are crucial to ensure you are budgeting correctly and taking advantage of any discounts or savings when Christmas shopping.
“We are encouraging residents of the city to hop aboard and find out how we can help and support them to improve their number confidence.”
She added: “You may not realise how important Maths is for everyday life. Whether budgeting for your weekly shop, helping children with homework or wanting to improve your job prospects, the free training offered through Stoke By Numbers can help anyone in Stoke-on-Trent to boost their numeracy skills.”
Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, Cabinet Member for Education and Anti-Poverty at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “I know it’s an extremely busy time of year but I encourage residents to make use of this free support and gain some expert advice on everything financial as we look forward to the festive season.”
The bus can be found in Fountain Square, in Hanley, from 9.30am until 4.30pm until Friday, 6 December.
Visitors to the bus will also receive a goody bag and be able to engage in some number-based fun activity.
