MORE than 9,000 adults will now be able to develop their literacy, maths, and digital skills through courses following a £1.3 million investment by Hampshire County Council.

Taking place at venues across the county, the authority says the cash was released to help improve the quality of life and employability among residents, by providing opportunities for free learning.

Councillor Stephen Reid, member for education and skills said: “Training in the most vital skills, such as literacy and digital technology, should be accessible to all who need it. Providing free learning to those who may find it more difficult to access courses, in venues that are close to their homes or easy to travel to, helps people to aim higher, and engage more with the community around them.”

The courses are available in all boroughs and districts across Hampshire, in a variety of venues such as schools and parish halls.

Many of the courses will be available in local libraries.

Councillor Seán Woodward, member for recreation, said: “Libraries are at the heart of their local communities, and provide excellent venues for learning. I’m very pleased that libraries can once again offer a broad range of courses to support people from all walks of life to thrive in education, training and employment – and to feel like part of the community, as soon as they walk in.”

The courses are funded through Hampshire Futures, the council’s service to learners over 14 years of age, recently rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

To find a course, go to hants.gov.uk/adult-community-learning.