Green Spaces Growing Community Host Multiply Programme Event with Crotlieve DEA

Crotlieve District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum has hosted an interactive ‘Multiply’ Programme event in Warrenpoint with Green Spaces Growing Community.

The Multiply Programme with funding from the UK Government and the Department for the Economy NI builds confidence in numeracy through interactive and engaging activities. This particular event combined hands-on food harvesting, a nutrition workshop and a garden tour.

Over 25 guests participated in a nutrition workshop led by Eithne Kinsella of Mourne Food Adventures, where they engaged in Multiply Programme maths skills by measuring, weighing, and estimating ingredients as they harvested fresh produce from the community garden. The experience culminated in a delicious, freshly prepared meal, reinforcing the importance of local, sustainable food and practical numeracy skills in everyday life.

Alongside the workshop, attendees enjoyed a guided tour of the community garden, learning about the variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown in the space, as well as the benefits of community gardening for wellbeing and sustainability.

Chairperson of Crotlieve DEA, Councillor Mickey Ruane said, "This was a fantastic way to showcase the connections between food, learning, and community. Guests had the opportunity to experience the entire journey of food – from picking fresh ingredients to cooking and enjoying a meal together, all while engaging with practical numeracy skills. It was a wonderful celebration of the Multiply Programme’s impact."