How Multiply Community Grants has supported the Merseyside community.

Over the last three years, FranchisingWorks has had the distinct pleasure and privilege of partnering with both WEA (Workers' Educational Association) and Knowsley FACE (Family and Community Education) on the Multiply Community Grants programme, which has been actively working to enhance the lives of individuals across the Liverpool City Region. This collaboration has not only brought together a diverse array of community organisations but has also fostered a spirit of cooperation aimed at addressing the essential need for improved numeracy skills among residents.

We have been advised that, through the collective efforts of our network of partners, over 2,400 residents of the Liverpool City Region have received invaluable support designed to help them improve their numeracy skills.

This initiative has been instrumental in equipping individuals with the mathematical competencies necessary for daily life, employment opportunities, and personal development. The impact of this programme is truly an incredible achievement, reflecting a significant commitment to community empowerment and educational advancement. By focusing on numeracy, we are not just teaching numbers; we are opening doors to greater confidence and a broader range of opportunities for those involved.

The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing newfound confidence in their abilities and a desire to continue their learning journey.

Moreover, the ripple effect of this initiative extends beyond the individuals directly involved. As participants improve their numeracy skills, they often share their knowledge and newfound confidence with family members and peers, creating a community-wide impact. This helped develop a culture of learning and growth within the Liverpool City Region, encouraging more residents to engage with educational opportunities and seek further development.

The partnership between FranchisingWorks, WEA, and Knowsley FACE exemplifies how collaborative efforts can lead to transformative changes in the community, paving the way for a brighter future for all involved.

Some of the people we have helped and supported across the project has been amazing, and inspiring; the stories of positive change and impact on people’s lives has been a testament to the success of the programme.

Our programme, titled Understanding Your own Money, Matters, was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, reflecting the significant need for financial education and empowerment. We undertook a comprehensive approach, working collaboratively across the City region and forming valuable partnerships with a variety of local charities, schools, food banks, children’s centres, and parent groups. These collaborations were essential in reaching a diverse audience and ensuring that the programme was accessible to all segments of the community, particularly those who may have faced barriers to financial literacy.

Throughout the course of the four-day workshops, each participant was given the opportunity to engage deeply with the material presented. The workshops were designed not just to impart knowledge, but to foster an environment where individuals could build their confidence and develop essential skills necessary for effective money management. Topics covered included budgeting, saving, and planning for future financial goals. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and learn from one another, creating a supportive community atmosphere that further enhanced the learning experience.

By the end of the programme, attendees reported a newfound sense of empowerment and the ability to take control of their financial situations. Many expressed how the skills they acquired during the workshops enabled them to make informed decisions about their money, leading to tangible improvements in their daily lives. The positive steps they took, inspired by the tools and knowledge gained, have the potential to create lasting change not only for themselves but also for their families and communities. This ripple effect underscores the importance of financial education and the transformative power it can have in uplifting individuals and fostering a more financially literate society.

Multiply Community Grants funding, was funded by the Department of Education.