As part of its support to the National Numeracy Challenge, Merseytravel have been delivering Numeracy Challenge Champion workshops at its headquarters in Liverpool. The workshop is designed to introduce Union Learning Reps (ULRs), digital champions and anyone supporting adults to a range of free resources. 

Merseylearn, the learning team within Merseytravel, is working in partnership with many different organisations encouraging adults to sign up to the challenge. Merseylearn tutor and Unison ULR, Norman Hunter explained:

Merseylearn are working closely with unionlearn North West to identify, recruit, encourage and support Numeracy Challenge Champions. The workshops look at resources available and develop techniques used to help adults improve their Numeracy skills. You don't have to be a Numeracy expert to motivate someone to improve their maths; digital champions and ULR’s are well placed to help people improve their numeracy skills, and change lives for the better."

The latest half-day course saw staff from the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, social housing provider Liverpool Mutual Homes and trainee teaching assistants explore UK Online’s Learn My Way, Maths 4US and BBC’s Skillswise before signing up for the challenge themselves. 

Within The Liverpool City Region, government figures estimate that around 155,000 working-age adults have numeracy skills roughly equivalent to the level expected of children at primary school, meaning they may not be able to work out a household budget or check the pay and deductions on a wage slip.

For more information visit: www.nnchallenge.org.uk