Suffolk adult courses
A new drive to help adults across Suffolk to improve their English and Maths skills has been launched following Government figures which suggest that half of all adults in the country may seriously struggle with many aspects of numeracy.
Each year, around 140 maths and English courses are run in Suffolk, which are available free of charge, but it has proved difficult to attract people or keep them on the courses. The new campaign is designed to help people understand the benefits of improving their skills and break down barriers to doing so.
Whether it’s being better able to read to a grandchild, use a manual to fix a car or split a restaurant bill, the courses are designed to make it easier for people to do everyday things.
Suffolk County Council and Leap are spearheading the campaign, and Realise Futures is delivering the courses and training.
Launching the ‘Now I Can...’ campaign, Councillor Judy Terry, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said:
“First and foremost improving levels of maths and English is something that gives a person confidence and new skills to do more. No one should feel embarrassed about wanting to improve in these areas. But it also has wider community and economic benefits.
“Parents being able to read to their children and adults being able to apply for, and do, better jobs are both things that will help us make Suffolk a more prosperous place.
“This campaign very much ties in with Suffolk County Council’s Raising the Bar initiative because both aim to raise attainment and aspiration in Suffolk.
“Suffolk has a wealth of future job opportunities but we need a skilled workforce to make the most of it.”
In the near future, frontline staff will be trained in identifying customers who may be experiencing difficulties with their maths and English. They will be encouraged to signpost their customers to the courses.
In the next few weeks, posters and business cards advertising the courses will be distributed in libraries, GP surgeries, community centres, schools, Job Centre Plus, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Leap centres, children’s centres and police stations.
For more information on the courses available, visit the Leap website: www.leap.ac.uk/nowIcan or call 0845 603 7197 (local rate number).
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Weather for Haverhill
Tuesday 21 May 2013
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