Families count down to National Numeracy Day Virtual Festival with Rachel Riley and Martin Lewis

Are you struggling to balance the household budget or help your children with maths homework?

Research released by the charity National Numeracy shows that nearly half of all working age adults have the numeracy level of a primary school pupil.

This week the charity is running the UK’s first National Numeracy Day Virtual Festival on Wednesday, May 13.

Videos, interviews, book readings for kids, practical sessions for adults, free resources and puzzles will feature in the online festival.

Organisers have arranged the festival’s activities to cater for three areas in which people need support: helping children; personal development; and getting to grips with household finance.

Well-known numeracy ambassadors taking part in the festival include TV’s Countdown co-presenter Rachel Riley, Money Saving expert Martin Lewis, maths teacher and broadcaster Bobby Seagull, Maths Factor creator Carol Vorderman and Charlie & Lola author Lauren Child.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan said: “I’m delighted to support National Numeracy Day. Whether you are a parent, a young person or you just need a little extra help, this online festival is a great opportunity to build your maths skills.”

The festival is encouraging everyone in the UK to improve their confidence with numbers by taking the National Numeracy Challenge.

Follow in the footsteps of dads like Jason Ace, 46, of Castleford, who struggled with maths at school. As an adult Jason dreaded going out for meals with friends because he would find it tough to work out the bill.

However, since taking the National Numeracy Challenge, Jason said: “Numbers don’t scare me anymore ... maths is my friend.”

For more information visit www.numeracyday.com