Published Date: Oct 3rd, 2025
Funding of £25,000 will help support the provision of Warm Spaces in Levenmouth this winter.
Members of Levenmouth Area Committee this week heard how the current Warm Spaces, in communities throughout Levenmouth, have given individuals and families a place to connect and find support, as well as providing a lifeline for those struggling with rising costs.
Committee Convenor Councillor Colin Davidson praised the services provided by a wide range of groups and organisations. He said: “For so many in our communities the last few years of continually rising costs have been a nightmare and more and more people have found themselves struggling to cope. It really is heartwarming to see the impact that these places have had on so many.
“While the initial aim of the Warm Spaces was to combat fuel poverty and the rising cost of living, many people have found that the real benefit has come from the social interaction and company. Our Warm Spaces don’t just provide food and heat they provide the warmth of conversation and connection. It’s hard to put a price on how valuable that is.”
A considerable number of local groups have in the past few years stepped up to provide Warm Spaces. These are current providers - The Shed @ Bayview; St Kenneth's Parish Church, Kennoway; Kennoway Community Shed; Leven Bowling Club; Rotary Club of Buckhaven & Methil; Windygates Bowling Club; Kennoway Bowling & Sports Club; Leven Parish Church; Methilhill Community Children's Initiative (MCCI); Leven Parish Church; East Wemyss C.A.F.E.; Rosie & McDuff Management Committee; Home-Start Levenmouth; The Auld Hoose and Buckhaven Bowling Club.
Warm Spaces are all required to offer something more than just a warm place, they have to operate from a suitably accessible venue and offer some aspect of social interaction. Feedback from several groups has shown it is this that the visitors appreciate most.
In total, 8786 meals were provided last year across Levenmouth, but evaluation shows the benefits are more through increased connections and less social isolation, although support for fuel poverty/insecurity, is still a major consideration. These connections go beyond the winter period and there has been increased activity by participants throughout the year. Some of this was through sign-ups to Community Learning and Development projects, as well as support to access other community-based activities.
Cllr. Davidson concluded: “It seems like the true benefit of these spaces lies more in warming the soul than the body.”
