One of the key issues faced by the spouses and partners of our British Armed Forces community is loneliness and isolation. Each time they are posted to a new base. Each time they leave their support networks, families and friends. Each time their partner is deployed on military operations or missions or engaged in longer-term training exercises.
Our coworking hubs have been critical in addressing this issue successfully, but with just eight coworking hubs in operation, and one more due to launch in September, many of our members have no access to these amazing facilities.
And until we achieve full approval by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) – we are still a pilot project and subject to a final evaluation in March 2026 – that number is likely to increase by one or two more at the most.
So, what about all our other members based at military bases across the UK and abroad where there is currently no coworking hub? How can we support them?
For us it’s just about creating opportunities for our members to come together, so we’ve come up with two new products, just for them.
Water Cooler Chats
These are based on the established ‘huddle’ concept and are typically small groups of people who ‘huddle’ together, often virtually, pooling their resources to unlock potential they couldn't unlock by themselves and help them tackle a challenge they all face. Huddles can have a professional, personal, societal or even existential cause.
But the most important thing is that they are a great way to connect and meet new people, even develop new friendships through common ground.
Our Water Cooler Chats provide an opportunity for our members to come together for a virtual cuppa, a catch up, a friendly chat with people who share their lived experience and face the same challenges they face.
There’s no formal agenda and they are not recorded.
They are just a safe place where members can share problems, meet with empathy and understanding, get practical tips and advice from people who get them and understand the impact of military life, have a rant or a laugh.
A place where they can say what they want, swear, curse and rant without fear of judgement or repercussions, and just be themselves.
We’ve set them up to run once a week. We invite members to pop them into their diary, and whenever they feel the urge or the need, to simply login and enjoy.
Virtual Coworking Sessions
Virtual coworking spaces are online spaces that bring like-minded people together with the primary aim of improving individual productivity. Unlike traditional coworking spaces where individuals share a physical location, such as a coworking hub, virtual coworking spaces operate entirely online.
We’ve done a lot of research into how to run a successful coworking session, and we now have a structure that we think is not only more akin to a working (half) day, but will drive accountability, boost productivity, and promote socialising and networking.
Our virtual coworking sessions are a great option for anyone who doesn’t have access to a coworking hub and is struggling with home working and would love some company and feel a little bit like they are in an office environment, surrounded by like-minded professionals.
These sessions will run weekly, and again, we encourage our members to pop these dates in their diary and join in line with their personal needs and commitments. At least one of our team will be there too to ensure the session keeps to plan.
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