Wednesday, 18th August saw the official opening of the Military Coworking Hub at Leuchars - the second coworking hub to reopen at a military base in Scotland, following a long, forced closure due to Covid19.
The Military Coworking Network (MCN) is a key ‘weapon’ in combatting some of the issues and problems commonly faced by the spouses of serving military personnel.
For many, being a military spouse, often means making difficult personal sacrifices for the greater good, and of course, dealing with the inevitable fallout. Things such as leaving family and friends behind and losing that all-important support network, putting their own careers on hold, coping with isolation and loneliness, as well as dealing with a sense of disconnect from everything familiar and trusted are just some of the challenges they face.
The MCN is their response – built by military spouses for military spouses, it tackles these issues head-on. Through its online community and growing network of coworking hubs, they are transforming the lives of military spouses and giving them back their independence and identity, uniting them into one, strong community, and allowing them to thrive – professionally and personally – within the parameters of military life.
Grand Opening
The hub was officially declared open by Lt Col Craig from Leuchars Station.
Lt Col Craig said:
“I was absolutely delighted to attend the opening of the co-working hub at Leuchars. It has been a tremendous effort by the Military Coworking Network and all others involved to provide this excellent office facility designed to enable working opportunities in the wider military community. I hope to see it flourish in the coming weeks and months.”
Rebecca Grant, one of the military spouses who attended the event said:
"I started my new job in August 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Then I moved to Leuchars in January of this year, during the winter lockdown.
“Working from home this entire time, without being able to even meet my colleagues or make new friends in Leuchars, has been quite isolating. I am really looking forward to using to Co-Working Hub and meeting other military spouses. It will be good to have other people to bounce ideas off, or just have a chat over a cup of tea!
“When I visited the Hub, I was very impressed by the facilities, and the goal of the staff from the Co-Working Network, to create a space where military spouses can connect, work, and encourage one another to succeed."
About the Leuchars Hub
The Leuchars Hub offers a very stylish and contemporary office space with secure WI-FI as well as access to a printer. There are 6 hot desks available in total – 5 in the main office area and 1 in a separate room, ideal for those who need a private space to work in or somewhere to participate in a conference call without disturbing others.
There is also a fantastic, stylish breakout area where members can relax and connect with fellow co-workers. In addition, there is a communal kitchen with unlimited tea and coffee on tap, as well as communal toilets. Onsite parking is also available.
Annabel Dwyer, Project Director of the Military Coworking Network, concluded:
“The event at Leuchars was an absolute triumph, with lots of interest and excitement about our coworking space, and the opportunities it affords the spouses of our serving personnel.
“With such a small Central Team, we rely heavily on our volunteers – they are in fact, key to our success. I would therefore like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the hub volunteers who made this great day possible.
“I would also like extend our thanks to the Naval, Army and RAF Families Federations for their continued support and commitment. 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”.
Find out how you can become a member of the Leuchars Hub here