Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Buskers turn down home in battle to stay together
AHOMELESS family busking each day for a roof over their heads have turned down the offer of a flat as they “don’t like being separated”.
Hamish Robb, 27, and Megan Giles, 19, say they fear one-year-old baby Brody will be “taken off” them.
The engaged couple say Megan and her baby were offered a flat but Hamish, who is not the biological father, would not be able to join them.
Hamish sings in Gloucester city centre to support the other two, using his earnings to pay for Travelodge rooms each night as they fight to stay together.
The 19-year-old mum from Cheltenham says she is “annoyed” by the situation and points out that Hamish has “stepped up” as a provider even though they have only been together for four months.
Megan said: “Social services house drug users and it’s like we’re just an ordinary family. Hamish isn’t the father to Brody but at the end of the day, he has stepped up. It’s just really annoying how they’re trying to split up a family from getting a place together.
“I just think that anyone needs to understand that certain families don’t like being separated.”
According to the couple, the offer is still on the table, although they are resolute in staying as a family unit.
Hamish, who grew up in Stroud, said: “If Megan gets housed on her own, I wouldn’t be able to go visit her or nothing like that. The fact the council are saying I am not a priority need is not right, we’re a struggling family.
“I’d say that it doesn’t matter how long people are together, as long as they’re happy and supported. I am doing the best to support her. The fact we have only been together for four months doesn’t particularly matter to me. I’ve found the person I want to marry.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with these two and create a bigger family. It’s just outrageous how the social services haven’t thought of me and have just tossed me aside.”
The 27-year-old slept rough about two years ago for five months and is committed to not allowing the same thing to happen to Megan and Brody.
Gloucester City Council, which manages social services in the area, was unable to comment on the specific details but said it was “committed to helping [families] find appropriate housing solutions”.
A council spokesperson said: “We are unable to comment on details regarding individual needs and circumstances. However, Children’s Social Care Service works closely with relevant partner agencies, including local housing providers, to support children in need and their families and remains committed to helping find appropriate housing solutions.”
The couple have captured the hearts of people in the city centre, who have shown an outpouring of support for them, handing them bags of food and donating money. They say one man called David Evans paid £170 for their next three nights in a Travelodge hotel.
Hamish said: “We managed to get £60 in notes, which provided fresh clothes and shoes for Brody.”
“And more toys!” Megan interjected. The three of them also treated themselves to a nice meal and “couldn’t thank people enough” for their kindness.