LMP Programmes

We will be running four numeracy programmes under the regional ‘Multiply programme’ to increase the numeracy skills of its adult residents in fun, interactive and engaging ways.

Information on the four programmes is below.

MSOL and Mature Learner Community Numeracy Bootcamp

Who is this for?

This is aimed towards asylum seekers, refugees, newcomer communities and mature learners within the Lisburn and Castlereagh area who want to improve their numeracy skills with face to face learning within a community venue.

What you will learn

Over a 6-8 week period you will learn to:

• understand your child’s numeracy homework 
• manage your money online – online banking, online shopping and avoiding fraud
• manage money – opening a bank account, budgeting, signposting to benefit assessment, shopping currency conversions
• support household budgeting - enhancing numeracy skills to demonstrate savings, come up with and track targets
• working through recipes and associated shopping lists - how to quickly calculate shopping bills and take advantage of deals/cheaper ingredients etc.

Once completed you may progress to Certified Numeracy Strand 2: where you can gain a formal qualification.  

This programme is coming soon.  To register your interest please email:LMP.Multiply@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk 

SPARX Programme

Who is this for?

This is targeted at those with additional needs, are over 19 years of age and do not have Maths GCSE Grade C.  Participants should want to develop their numeracy and employability skills as well as build confidence. 

What you will learn

Through a bootcamp you will have a unique learning opportunity that is fun and innovative for those that do not respond to traditional classroom-based learning. 

Assistance offered

Participants will be able to meet supporting trainers and staff at the start of the programme.  They will provide one to one mentoring training support tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of the participant.  

Programme goals will be tailored to each individual and an action plan detailing short, medium and long term goals will be set.
  
From this, participants have the opportunity to attain an adult Numeracy Entry Level 1 qualification that may signpost to higher level of qualifications.

This programme is currently open for applications!  There are a minimum of 40 places. 
To register your interest please email: LMP.Multiply@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk 

Numeracy for All

Who is this for?

This programme is for those who need or lack numeracy skills but to not wish to engage in a formal educational setting. 

What you will learn

Basic maths through everyday activities in an innovative, fun, productive way to help increase your numeracy skills, reducing stress levels and improving confidence, understanding and skills in basic maths.

It will cover various numeracy modules tailored to group needs, and include topics such as:

1. DIY Basics - measuring, calculating how much paint/ wallpaper is needed, putting up a shelf, painting and decorating.
2. Measuring up - planning, pattern cutting and sewing of curtains and simple garments.
3. Grow, Cook, Eat - working with parents to improve nutrition knowledge, meal planning and budget skills.
4. Energy Detectives – how to reduce your energy consumption and bills, household budgeting; working through recipes and shopping lists – cheaper deals.
5. Energy efficient cooking - comparison of energy usage and cost implications. Trialling use of air-fryers and slow cookers.
6. Calorie counting and weight management - boosting confidence and improving understanding of what impacts choices and what measures really matter to get results/tracking results.
7. Resilience - improving basic understanding of risk and odds to enable those as risk to navigate information which can be quite technical and overly scientific.
8. Numeracy skills through sport - highlighting fun opportunities in sport and physical activity to understand and practice numerical targets and mental maths, e.g. darts, football league results, team sizes, scoring and game tactics.
9. Financial literacy includes functional day to day maths for example: reading public transport timetables, discounted/sale goods in shops and online. Correct change and reading receipts. Banking and opening and dealing with personal finance. 
10. Parent and child activities that increases numeracy skills in general and enhances homework support.

All activities will be delivered face to face within community facilities that are accessible and have creche facilities for parents/carers. 

This programme is coming soon.  To register your interest please email:LMP.Multiply@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk 

Numeracy Upskilling Programme

Who is this for?

This programme is aimed at empowering existing and potential community leaders with a series of sessions that cover fundamental concepts and practical skills tailored to the needs of the community groups attending.

What will you learn

The modules will include:

1. Introduction to bookkeeping

• Understanding the importance of bookkeeping for community groups
• Overview of basic accounting principles

2. Setting up financial systems

• Establishing a simple accounting system suitable for community groups
• Choosing accounting software or templates for record-keeping

3. Chart of Accounts

• Explanation of common accounts used e.g. income, expenses, assets, liabilities
• Creating a customised chart of accounts relevant to community groups

4. Recording transactions

• How to accurately record income and expenses
• Documentation required for different types of transactions

5. Bank reconciliation

• Understanding bank statements and reconciling them with financial records
•  Identifying and rectifying discrepancies

6. Budgeting basics

• Developing a basic budget for community projects or activities
• Monitoring budget

7. Financial reporting

• Generating simple reports e.g. profit and loss statement, balance sheet
• Interpreting financial reports to assess the financial health of the community group

8. Compliance and regulations

• Overview of legal and regulatory requirements
• Responsibilities regarding tax obligations and reporting

9. Internal controls

• Implementing internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud
• Best practice for transparency and accountability

The sessions will involve hands-on practical experience of recording transactions and preparing financial reports; and analysing real-world community group scenarios to apply bookkeeping concepts.

Assistance offered

Facilitators will ensure there is an open forum for questions and discussion. 

Participants will have access to a Virtual Learning Environment toolkit with specially developed resources and additional links to support their ongoing learning.

Participants will be signposted to formal qualifications such as computerised accounts.

This programme is coming soon.  To register your interest please email: LMP.Multiply@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk 

Are you unemployed, work less than 16 hours a week or would like to seek better employment opportunities?  Do you have aspirations to run your own business but are unsure where to start? 

The independence of running your own business can bring tremendous benefits. However, the process of setting up a business can be daunting.  Our Self-Employment Support Programme will provide you with a grant of up to £750 for the initial stages of setting up your business, along with critical skills and knowledge to venture into the self-employment marketplace.  

This opportunity is open to anybody within the council area who is currently unemployed or under-employed.  

The programme offers 8 weeks’ worth of one-to-one support to prepare you for the world of self-employment.  Mentoring and training support from trained professionals in the industry will allow you to explore your options, test ideas, write plans and start your business. 

Topics covered will include marketing and social media training, financial planning, HMRC assistance, procurement and confidence building.  

Grants of up to £750 are available to you at the initial stages of starting your business to assist in the purchase of essential equipment to start your journey to self-employment.  

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply you must be:

• economically inactive, unemployed or work less than 16 hours per week
• a resident of our area

Need some extra advice and guidance

Please do not hesitate to contact our delivery agent Eamonn Cavlan from Tangible Consulting to arrange a consultation. Email him at eamonn@tangibleconsulting.co.uk

If you would like more information about the Labour Market Partnership or other council programmes available, please email the Programmes Team at LMP@lisburncastereagh.gov.uk or call 028 9244 7391.

This programme aims to support and train individuals with a disability who are either currently out of work or underemployed.  We want to enable your aspirations alongside a specialist mentor to address any training needs to secure a flexible placement with a suitable employer.

Programme information

Participants will be offered:

• mentoring and development of a bespoke action plan
• provision of short accredited training course (Level 1 – 3) with continuous mentoring
• 12 week placement in a relevant business or directly into employment as appropriate

You will also have the option of work placements and guaranteed job interviews with our partner employers across a range of industries and job types.  

So, if you are currently unemployed or underemployed due to a long-term health condition or barrier that you feel holds you back, get in in touch with us to find out how we can support you to thrive. 
 

Need some extra advice and guidance? 

If you would like more information about the Labour Market Partnership or alternative programmes on offer please contact the Programmes Team by email: LMP@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or phone 028 9244 7447.

It is our key ambition to reduce the local economic inactivity, help those in deprived areas and under-represented groups gain employment and improve the skills of those who are currently unemployed. 

 The focus of the Into Employment programme is to support those who are unemployed move towards employment or further education. 

So, if you are currently economically inactive please keep reading. Or get in in touch with us to find out how we can support you.

What will the programme involve? 

Participants will work with a specialist mentor who will develop a bespoke action plan based on individual aspirations and training needs enabling participants to:

• build confidence 
• gain support with CV’s, application forms and interviews
• gain work experience, vocational skills and accredited qualifications from Level 1-3
• progress into paid employment

The programme will enable you to reach your full potential with free accredited training and personalised support to look for work and stay in work. 

Don’t let your current situation hold you back, our team of experienced coaches and trainers will be with you every step of the way. We will support you at your own pace with personal development, career planning and routes to employment.  

With job ready accredited training included, we can support you into a new career.  Training offered includes first aid, CSR card, food hygiene, safeguarding, health & safety, manual handling and more. 

You will also have the option of work placements and guaranteed job interviews with our partner employers across a range of industries and job types.

Apply today!

Places are limited! To check if you meet the eligibility criteria, please contact Michael at People 1st at m.carson@people-1st.co.uk 

Closing date to register is 5pm on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

For any further information, please email: LMP@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or phone 028 9244 7391.