The Multiply123 numeracy programme offers hundreds of free courses and activities to people living in the west of Scotland.

A dedicated telephone helpline launched this week, on freephone 0808 171 3030, will connect adults with Multiply support in their local council area.

And a new website at www.multiply123.co.uk  showcases help and support available across the Region.

Research from the National Numeracy Charity shows that 40% of the UK’s working-age population have the expected numeracy levels of a primary school leaver, and 30% of school leavers feel anxious about using maths and numbers.

The eight council leaders meeting this week for the Glasgow City Region Cabinet urged people to find out more and sign up.

Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: "We are delighted to be part of this excellent initiative, which offers a wide range of courses at no cost to give people the confidence they need to work with figures.

“These include skills that you can apply in the workplace, when calculating a bill, making dinner or helping out with your child’s homework.

“Whatever your reason or motivation, these free activities will make it easier to use numbers and maths.”

As many residents work and spend leisure time across the eight council areas, the local authorities are working together to promote the Multiply offering in a wide range of ways.

The Multiply programme is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Multiply courses and activities are available for anyone aged 19 or over; without a maths qualification above SQA Level 5; and resident in Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Renfrewshire or Renfrewshire.

The Multiply helpline is on freephone 0808 171 3030 and the new website is available at www.multiply123.co.uk