The Multiply project first arose within Adviza after the Government released an initiative to improve Maths skills for individuals across the UK. In July 2023 Adviza began to deliver this project in Buckinghamshire. Jaskirat Mann, the Project Manager, had a clear vision from the beginning. She saw more than just numbers, she saw people. Her aim for the project was to engage those often deemed as hard to reach, each with their unique stories, struggles, and aspirations. Offering them a pathway towards employability and personal growth.

As a result of this approach, Multiply has now evolved into something far more profound than just enhancing numeracy — it is a comprehensive program that addresses the diverse needs of the community. It has ignited a spirit of belonging, rebuilt confidence, and changed lives amongst its participants.  

How it Began

In July ‘23 the first block of Multiply workshops in Bucks were delivered by Adviza, with a primary focus on employability. Lucy and Emma, key workers for the project, were instrumental figures at the beginning of Multiply as they produced exceptional resources ready for these workshops, which set the stage for ongoing success. There were a diverse range of service users who attended and so they also worked hard to get the resources translated for the participants who were refugees. 

In addition to delivering group workshops, Lucy and Emma also provided one-on-one sessions, ensuring each participant received personalised assistance. The support was further amplified by continuous sessions with the Building Futures team within Adviza, who offered participants additional services to complement the core program.

A Holistic Focus

In September ‘23 Multiply expanded its offerings to include a two-day wellbeing workshop. The first day focused on holistic practices, followed by a day dedicated to employability. Facilitated by Jaskirat and Emma, the workshops not only nurtured numeracy skills but also covered self-care and mindfulness.

As participants gathered, overcoming language barriers and embracing vulnerability, something magical happened—their confidence soared.

As participants gathered, overcoming language barriers and embracing vulnerability, something magical happened—their confidence soared. Within a day, smiles replaced apprehension, laughter filled the room, and friendships were forged, transcending cultural differences and fostering a deep sense of belonging.

Participants were provided with refreshments, breakfast, travel support, and a £20 Amazon voucher upon completion, creating an environment conducive to growth. The evaluation of the wellbeing workshop revealed positive impacts on their lives. Beyond the acquisition of numeracy skills, participants expressed gratitude for the warm, inclusive environment that was provided.

Community, Connection, and Change

Recognising the importance of digital literacy, in November 2023 Multiply introduced a two-week digital workshop. Participants, all with low-level ICT skills, not only received valuable training but also a new laptop at the end of the program. Jaskirat shared that participants naturally took on specific roles within the group, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, transforming the group into a supportive hub where each member played a vital role.

On the first day service users were struggling to switch on a laptop, by the end of the two weeks the group were collectively creating presentations on PowerPoint, managing spreadsheets on Excel, sending emails, and launching social media campaigns, which showcased the participants' remarkable growth and newfound skills.

Looking Ahead

Exciting developments are on the horizon for the Multiply project in 2024, with upcoming Cook Together workshops running in February and March. These sessions will develop the participants' numeracy skills in order to follow recipes and measure ingredients, learn how to cook on a budget and the importance of diet when it comes to wellbeing and health. There is also a planned Employer Insight workshop for February. During this 2-day workshop participants can gain vital industry insights, explore careers, learn networking skills and connect with local employers, whilst also mastering interview skills. The 2-day Wellbeing and Employability workshops are also returning after last year’s success and will be running throughout February and March.

Multiply is not just about delivering numeracy-based learning; it is a catalyst for change within the local community, serving diverse needs and making a lasting impact. Adviza, as the driving force behind Multiply in Buckinghamshire, is changing lives, delivering quality outcomes, and weaving a narrative of empowerment through innovative and engaging approaches. 

I want us not to just deliver numeracy based workshops, but I want us to deliver workshops that meet a need, serve a community and make a change. We impact lives, we inspire lives and we deliver quality outcomes.  

Project Manager Jaskirat Mann shared: “I want us not to just deliver numeracy based workshops, but I want us to deliver workshops that meet a need, serve a community and make a change. We impact lives, we inspire lives and we deliver quality outcomes. That’s my social impact change footprint for Multiply. I want Bucks Multiply to be the shining example for the rest of the UK. Where people go 'yes, it’s about numeracy, but look what else you can do with this'. And I think that will be the factor that makes Adviza’s Multiply the leading innovator."

Another key aspect to the success of the project is the strong working relationships which have been built with partnering organisations. Without the support from Bucks Adult learning, DWP, Wycombe Arts Centre, Bucks Library, Refugee Resettlement, One Recovery Bucks, and all the other referral agencies, the Multiply project simply could not have gone ahead. This so beautifully mirrors the way this project brings people together and creates such a strong sense of community.

In summary, Adviza's Multiply project is not only about upskilling people in numeracy, it is about creating a community, inspiring individuals, and making a positive change that resonates way beyond the workshop sessions.


** Multiply is for adults over 19 who do not hold a GCSE ‘C’ or above in Maths.


For more information about the upcoming workshops in February and March, please visit our recent Multiply news post.


If you have any questions or would like to make a referral to the Multiply team, you can email them at: [email protected]


29th January 2024