Across Fife communities have been supported to develop and sustain a network of warm, welcoming spaces. Fife Council funding of £280,000 allowed over 90 community organisations across Fife to provide services in local venues, offering people a safe and friendly environment to connect with others alongside sharing meals and participating in activities.

Council teams used a community development approach with local voluntary groups to increase activity over winter. Groups were supported to explore what worked in their own communities and build meaningful relationships. They were also encouraged to participate in learning opportunities such as elementary food hygiene, energy champion and the Our Fife and benefit checker training.

Developing new skills and knowledge has been beneficial for people running Warm Welcomes, who are often volunteers, as well as allowing them to signpost others to wide range of support.

Those attending the warm places tended to be older people, people with a long-term physical or mental health condition, those facing disadvantage, and people who have experienced bereavement or loss. Feedback and evaluations have been used to adapt approaches and ensure people are offered preventative support in a dignified way.

People enjoyed the warm welcome and opportunity to spend time out of the house with others. Users talked about feeling part of something, less isolated, having a chance to share problems and better mental health.