Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, is encouraging constituents to take part in the National Numeracy Challenge this National Numeracy Day on May 13th.

Half of all working-age adults in the UK struggle using numbers and UK Charity, National Numeracy, is looking to help people boost their skills. 285 000 people have already taken part in the challenge which is open to all.

Through her engagement with the Gosport based reading programme ‘We CAN Read’, Caroline became passionate about boosting the basic skills among the adult population. She led a debate in the House of Commons on adult literacy and numeracy and led the Business and Industry Select Committee inquiry into adult literacy and numeracy. She also formed an All Party Parliamentary Group for Maths and Numeracy with cross party support and was Co-Chair of the group.

More recently, as a Minister in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Caroline welcomed plans to scrap VAT for e-publications, slashing the cost of e-books and newspapers to make them more affordable and accessible.

Caroline commented:

“It is always hard to hear how many people struggle with basic numeracy and literacy skills that are potentially stopping them from achieving their goals and can really affect people’s self-confidence.

“There are so many brilliant, free online resources that can be accessed. Especially now, when people have potentially more free time at home, it is a great time to get learning.”

The Government has also launched a new Skills Toolkit online where residents can access free digital and numeracy courses that are particularly sought after by employers. From social media management to coding or digital marketing, there are a range of great opportunities to learn new skills in lockdown.