BCHA is a major provider of housing, support, learning and employability services for people across the South West from Dorset to Devon.
The organisation’s BCHA Learn division offers unemployed people and those on short term contracts a comprehensive range of free courses, from money management, computer skills and improving employability, to horticulture and chef-led sessions on cooking nutritiously on a budget.
BCHA Learn is now extending its training programmes further with funding from Multiply, the government’s new £560 million numeracy programme.
Val Jefferies, BCHA Learn Project Manager explained: “The rising cost of living is causing stress and anxiety for people in all areas of their lives, with many people struggling to pay rising bills and feed their families, often against the added pressures of job uncertainty or unemployment.
“Our expert course leaders can support course participants to increase their money and budgeting skills.
“We also work closely with local employers to support people in their job searches and we have many courses to improve personal wellbeing to boost confidence and resilience.”
Val continued: “The government’s Multiply programme aims to improve half a million adults’ numeracy and works on the premise that people who improve their numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and better wellbeing.
“Skills & Learning, the joint adult education provider for BCP and Dorset Councils is leading the project here in Dorset and we are proud to be one of its delivery partners.”
Multiply courses offer participants the chance start with basic maths skills and build slowly. Or, to improve on their existing skills and take qualifications, with the overall aim of building confidence in using numbers at work or in everyday life.
Sarah Rice, Curriculum and Quality Manager for Skills & Learning Adult Community Education said: “On behalf of BCP Council and Dorset Council, Skills & Learning Adult Community Education are pleased to have BCHA on board as a delivery partner for Multiply interventions across the county.
“Although there are already local opportunities for adults to develop their numeracy skills and achieve maths qualifications, Multiply funding allows for some creative and targeted approaches to engaging adults who would most benefit, focusing on the skills for life and work that contribute to the personal development of local people, managing their money and supporting family.
“The BCHA Learn team have created a range of learning programmes responsive to the needs of adults who don’t always have stable employment, income and housing and they are therefore well placed to deliver Multiply numeracy initiatives that will have a real impact.”
Val Jefferies added: “BCHA is committed to helping people build skills and resilience during period of challenge and we hope people will come forward and take advantage of some of the support on offer.”
BCHA Learn courses are available to Dorset residents, over the age of 18 who are unemployed or on a short term contract.
Multiply numeracy courses are open to people aged 19 and above who do not have a GCSE maths at grade C (equivalent to grade 4 or CSE grade 1) or an equivalent qualification.
For more details of all these courses please email: bchalearn@bcha.org.uk or phone: 01202 410595.
Our Partners
