A young family of five from Rotherham is on the brink of homelessness after being ordered to vacate their home due to unpaid rent. Parents Amy Winter and Joshua Thain, along with their three children, Sky, Daisy-Mae, and Lexi, are struggling to cope with the devastating news.
Despite being on Universal Credit, the couple has been unable to keep up with rent payments, leading to a court order that demands they leave their Brunswick Street home by January 31. Amy, who is five months pregnant, and Joshua claim that Barnsley Council has been aware of their situation but has failed to provide adequate support.
The family’s situation is further complicated by the fact that the property is owned by Sanctuary Housing and was previously rented by Joshua’s late mother, Victoria Robertshaw. With no clear solution in sight, Amy and Joshua are desperate for help, but their options seem limited.
Amy’s concerns are palpable as she worries about the future of her family. “We’re worried all the time,” she admits. “We’ve asked family members for help, but they’re unable to provide accommodation. The only person offering support is my partner’s uncle, but he lives in Somerset.”
As the family faces an uncertain future, Amy is calling on Barnsley Council to take action. “They need to step up and figure out what they’re going to do,” she urges. “Instead of giving us mixed messages, they need to provide a solution.”
The community is now rallying around the family, with many questioning the morality of evicting a young family with nowhere to go. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: this family needs help, and they need it now.