Woking FC backs the Multiply campaign to boost adult numeracy in Surrey

A leading football club in Surrey are backing efforts to help Surrey residents hit their goals by boosting their confidence with numbers.

Woking FC has teamed up with Surrey County Council to encourage its supporters to sign up to Multiply so they do not get caught offside when figuring things out.

It is estimated 1 in 7 adults in Surrey do not have a GCSE equivalent in maths. The government-funded Multiply programme looks to change that - by offering free flexible courses packed with practical tips.

For Surrey County Council, Woking FC's strong links to both the local and wider community meant it was a clear choice for partnership to promote the Multiply program to those in the community who could most benefit.

Clare Curran, Surrey County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Lifelong learning, said:

"We are delighted that Woking FC is supporting the Multiply campaign by promoting it to their supporters and the wider community.

"Around half of the UK working age population don't have strong numeracy skills, or don't feel confident about using numbers. Multiply has been created to help bridge that numeracy skills gap to help Surrey adults reach their full potential and ensure no one is left behind."

Simon Jones, Business Development Director for Woking FC said: "Woking FC has always had strong community links, supporting a number of local charities and community initiatives, and we're keen promoters of lifelong learning amongst our own staff and teams, so we are delighted to be able to add our support for the Multiply program.

The Multiply program is a fantastic opportunity for people to improve their maths skills and confidence and we'd encourage all our supporters and visitors to check out the range of free courses on offer."

There is a mix of online and in-person courses available through Multiply. Many have been created to fill the needs of specific industries, such as construction, healthcare and early years, while others are designed to cater to interests such as gardening and cooking.

Courses are running now and continue until the end of March 2025. To qualify, learners must be based in Surrey, aged 19 or over, and without a GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths.

See the full list of courses here: www.surreycc.gov.uk/multiply or email [email protected] for more information.

Notes to editors

• The Multiply program was first launched in 2022 by the Department for Education (DfE).
• Multiply is one of several skills products promoted as part of Skills for Life and DfE's It all starts with skills campaign. This aims to get more people to start their skills journey by increasing supply of, and demand for, technical qualifications and skills offers among employers, young people and adults.
• More information on Multiply, including information on how to apply, can be found on the Surrey County Council website, or email [email protected]

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