The Military Coworking Network (MCN) is delighted to announce the opening of a brand-new coworking hub at RAF Valley. The official launch of the hub took place on Tuesday 7th, September.
The hub has been two years in the making and marks an important step in the expansion of the MCN Hub Network. RAF Valley is the fifth hub to open following the easing of Covid19 restrictions.
About the MCN
The Military Coworking Network is a tri-service initiative that has been set up by military spouses for military spouses as a response to the many challenges they face within the parameters of military life, including loss of their support network, independence and identity as well as having to put their careers on hold as they prioritise those of their serving partners.
The MCN gives back what military life can take away.
Its online community enables them to link up with people who share their values, understand the challenges they face, and can relate to the problems they experience. Through the many networking opportunities, they can rebuild their support network and make meaningful friendships that can last a lifetime. The online portal gives them access to a wide range of resources, including career and business support as well as learning and development opportunities to drive and inspire personal and professional development. And finally, its network of coworking hubs gives them a place where they can work, study, and connect with like-minded people, share advice, exchange experiences, and learn from their peers.
The Opening Event
The official opening event of the coworking hub at RAF Valley took place on 7th September 2021. The event was well-attended by many military spouses from the local community, who were keen to explore the opportunities this new facility affords them.
Hannah Hubbleday, who worked with the MCN as a volunteer to set up the hub at RAF Valley, commented on the value-add the new hub brings to the area:
“For a remote base like Valley this hub will be a crucial addition, offering a central location for people to come together to work or study. We hope to reduce isolation and build a network of working partners who can help each other progress in their careers.
“For me, it means an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and spend time working outside of my married quarter, both of which can be quite hard in an Anglesey winter!”
Group Captain Andrew Turk, Station Commander RAF Valley, attended the opening event and commented:
“I’m really delighted that Hannah and the team’s hard work has come to such successful fruition. Service families looking to maintain their own career stability, whilst supporting their Service Person’s career agility, puts a real emphasis on initiatives such as the Co-Working Hub. When you overlay the challenges of young families in isolated locations, the ability to meet and share ideas, whilst developing support networks, it is vital. We have all learnt the value of adapting our work patterns over the pandemic and this initiative gives real choice to how families maintain their careers - a fantastic facility. I am so very grateful to the RAF Benevolent Fund and especially to Hannah for turning it into a reality.” About the RAF Valley Hub
The hub at RAF Valley offers a very stylish and contemporary office space with secure WI-FI as well as access to a full-colour printer, scanner, and copier. There are 5 hot desks available in total, as well as a private meeting room that can be booked separately. Lockable storage is also available.
There is also a fantastic, stylish breakout area where members can relax and connect with fellow co-workers. Furthermore, there is a communal kitchen with unlimited tea and coffee on tap, as well as communal toilets. Onsite parking is also available.
Maria Lyle, Director, Royal Air Force Families Federation, concluded:
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to the Naval and Army Families Federations, who are helping us to raise awareness of this fantastic initiative and supporting our endeavours to make this the success it deserves to be. A special recognition goes to the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund who have supported and funded us, and the Royal Air Forces Association, who are working very hard with us to deliver this project.
“I would also like to say a special thank you to the RAF Benevolent Fund for their generous contribution towards the set-up of our coworking hub at RAF Valley, as well as to RAF Valley for providing the hub facility to us free of charge.
“And finally, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Hannah Hubbleday, who worked almost entirely on her own to get this hub ready for launch – she has been simply amazing.”
The MCN is also offering free trials to any military spouse who would like to explore the option of becoming a member first before committing to a subscription. These are offered on a ‘no obligation’ basis. Visit https://www.militarycoworking.uk/mcn-hubs/raf-valley to find out more.