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The Rt Hon Gordon Brown, Founding Patron for the Warm Welcome Campaign, joined guests and volunteers at the Salvation Army Warm Welcome Space in his hometown of Kirkcaldy. 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.
The Rt. Hon. 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.”
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's 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 volunteer, 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 works 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 a full-time carer. The two hours he spends here a week, are the only two hours when he can truly be himself.
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.”
Captain Andrew Manley, Salvation Army Kirkcaldy added:
“It has been a pleasure to host Gordon Brown today. Here at The Salvation Army, we see, work with, and support some of the most vulnerable and marginalized people in society. Whether it's financial difficulties, surviving abuse, loneliness, homelessness, isolation, or the cost-of-living crisis. We aim to support anyone who needs it through initiatives such as Warm Welcome. To know that Gordon is not only supportive and sympathies to both the Salvation Army's and Warm Welcomes aims, is encouraging. Hearing him advocate for such initiatives helps to reinforce the idea everyone can make a difference. It is my hope that one day we won't need such services, but until then The Kirkcaldy Salvation Army, will be here to work with Warm Welcome and others in supporting those who truly need it.”
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