He visited the Salvation Army’s Warm Welcome Space in Kirkcaldy

Former prime minister Gordon Brown has helped celebrate community solidarity in the face of the cost of living and fuel crises his home town of Kirkcaldy.

He is a founding patron of the Warm Welcome Campaign, which aim to set up spaces where people can meet for warmth and companionship.

Brown visited the Salvation Army’s Warm Welcome Space in Kirkcaldy during Warm Welcome Week, a campaign to celebrate the UK’s 5,000-plus Warm Welcome Spaces to raise awareness so more people can find a place of warmth and connection close to home.

Warm Welcome Spaces like this are places where new friendships are formed and where people have a sense of belonging.

The former prime minister said: “Warm Welcome Week is a time to celebrate the creation of hubs of good neighbourliness, compassion, and kindness in our communities. I have shared the warmest of welcomes at my local Salvation Army Warm Space in Kirkcaldy, where, like all the 5,000 Warm Welcome Spaces across the UK, good-hearted neighbours come together to brighten each other’s days. These spaces are powered by human kindness, companionship, and, of course, a good cup of tea or coffee and fantastic cakes and biscuits.”

“It is a testament to the dedication of thousands of volunteers that since October more than 1,000 new Warm Welcome Spaces have opened, including the opening of our 5,000th Warm Welcome Space this week. They are a growing and inspiring chain of hope that links one end of the country to the other and connects young and old to each other.”

Brown spent time talking with guests and volunteers, including Margaret, who was busy making breakfast, and among others, Nicola, Flora, Moira and Joan, and a little baby called Grace, who joined the breakfast with her family.

Nicola Bower is a volunteer who runs the regular quiz night at the space. She talked about the vital role it plays in bringing the community together and the importance of companionship, especially to those who live alone.

 She added: “We were thrilled to welcome Gordon Brown into our space today; the guests and volunteers loved every moment. This space is at the heart of our community; it’s where everyone joins together, forging new friendships and making people feel more connected.

“Since the cost of living crisis, we've seen a 50% growth in the number of guests joining our Tuesday soup lunches, and on Christmas Day, over 80 guests joined us for a warming meal - without this space they would have been on their own. It’s a real lifeline to our community.”

Ellie Palmer, development director for Warm Welcome added: “We were thrilled that our founding patron Gordon Brown joined us at the wonderful Kirkcaldy Warm Welcome Space today. It was a real boost to guests and volunteers, with smiles all around, and a perfect way to shine a light on these spaces and celebrate Warm Welcome Week.

“We’ve already seen a huge demand for Warm Welcome Spaces this January, not only supporting people struggling to pay the bills but also playing a vital role in connecting communities and giving people a place of belonging. The dark winter days of January can be extremely tough. We don’t want anyone to feel cold or alone this winter.

“That’s why we’re asking everyone to join us in Warm Welcome Week, to raise awareness so more people can find a place of warmth and welcome and by encouraging more community spaces to open their doors to local people.”

Captain Manley, leader of The Salvation Army in Kirkcaldy, added: “Providing warm, welcoming spaces is part of what The Salvation Army does. It’s especially important to welcome the community in as temperatures drop, as we know many are struggling to manage their heating bills. It was a pleasure to welcome Gordon Brown to our community church, not only as a former prime minister but also as someone with strong family ties to the town. At The Salvation Army, we are part of the communities we serve, and bringing people together to share food, stories, and faith helps deepen connections.” 

The Warm Welcome Campaign hosts an interactive Warm Welcome Spaces map that helps people find their nearest space by simply entering their postcode.