Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown made the visit in Warm Welcome Week, a campaign to celebrate the UK’s 6,000+ Warm Welcome Spaces and raise awareness so more people can find a place of warmth and connection close to home.

It was Gordon Brown’s second visit to the Salvation Army Warm Welcome Space. Last January, in Warm Welcome Week, Gordon Brown met dedicated volunteer Margaret, who gives her free time every week to cook hearty meals and keep guests warm with steaming mugs of tea and coffee.

Gordon Brown and Margaret caught up again, spending time chatting and laughing. Margaret, who has just celebrated her 80th birthday, shared the news that she had just won an award for her volunteering commitment over many decades. Gordon Brown presented Margaret with a special birthday gift. And Margaret proudly showed Gordon her award, soon to be celebrated at a special event at the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.

Gordon Brown said: “Warm Welcome Week is a time to celebrate the creation of hubs of good neighbourliness, compassion, and hope in our communities. I had the warmest of welcomes at my local Warm Space in Kirkcaldy, where, like all the 6,000+ Warm Welcome Spaces across the UK, good-hearted neighbours and volunteers come together to brighten each other’s days. These spaces are powered by human kindness, companionship, and, of course, a good cup of tea and delicious food.

“It is a testament to the dedication of thousands of volunteers, like Margaret, that since January 2025 more than one thousand new Warm Welcome Spaces have opened, including the opening of our 6,000th Warm Welcome Space this week. Together they are a growing chain of hope that links one end of the country to the other, connecting communities with kindness and hope.”

Warm Welcome Week started on Blue Monday (19 January), which can be the coldest, loneliest, and most challenging time of the year. As well as taking its toll on mental health, January can be financially difficult, and many households face the stark choice between heating and eating. It’s the time of year when Warm Welcome Spaces are in greatest demand.

Gordon Brown joined guests and volunteers at the Kirkcaldy Warm Welcome Space for a Big Welcome Breakfast, a place where the local community comes together, keeps warm, and shares a meal and a cuppa. These spaces offer far more than warmth; they offer connection, friendship, and hope.

Salvation Army Captain Andrew Manley and Warm Welcome’s director, David Barclay, and development director, Ellie Palmer, welcomed Gordon Brown and joined the Big Welcome Breakfast, meeting guests and volunteers and sharing a hearty and warming community meal. Gordon Brown also met Salvation Army Lieutenant Miriam Smith from Glenrothes and learnt more about Warm Welcome Spaces across Fife.

Gordon Brown spent time talking with guests and volunteers, including one year old Grace. Last year, Gordon Brown first met Grace when she was a babe in arms. Gordon Brown spent time chatting with Grace’s dad, Andrew, who cooks breakfast for all the guests, and mum Kathryn who also work at the space. Gordon Brown heard how much people value being there, including Joan, who calls it her second home.

Four older people, who all live alone said they love coming here, as it’s their only opportunity to share a meal with others. Jack, another regular at the space, is full-time carer. The two hours he spends here a week, are the only two hours when he can truly be himself.

The Warm Welcome Campaign resources, connects and champions the growing network of Warm Welcome Spaces.

David Barclay, director for the Warm Welcome Campaign, 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 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 offering companionship to people who might otherwise feel isolated and alone. 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 connection close to home.”

Warm Welcome Week is supported by the growing network of the Warm Welcome Campaign’s corporate partners, including Co-op, National Grid, OVO, SGN, Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks, Barratt Redrow, and Sky.

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

The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight feature highlights the vital work of charities across Scotland each Friday. To include your local charity, whether housing-related or not, send your story and images to us at newsdesk@scottishnews.com.