Dave, a 35-year-old homeless man from Fazakerley, Liverpool, has been sleeping in a hammock suspended from lampposts and trees across the city for over a year. He says he feels safer outdoors than in emergency accommodation provided by the authorities.
Dave's Story
After a series of personal setbacks following an incident at work that led to a breakdown, Dave ended up on the streets. He told the ECHO: 'I ended up on the streets maybe a year or so ago. I'm just trying to get back off the streets, but it's been a bit of a nightmare, to be honest with you.'
Dave regularly moves around different parts of Liverpool, rarely staying in one place for long. He seeks out quiet spots like Sefton Park, Otterspool Promenade, and Litherland to set up his hammock. 'I'm everywhere really. Sefton Park, Otterspool Prom, it changes every day. It's wherever I find a bit of peace and quiet,' he said.
Why a Hammock?
Dave chose a hammock over a tent because it is lighter and easier to carry. 'The hammock is a lot cooler in this weather. The tent was just too much to carry around. This folds down and can go in the pocket of my coat. I don't really have many belongings, so it's lightweight,' he explained.
Some passers-by assume he is enjoying the sunshine, but Dave says many people react positively when they see him. 'A lot of people think it's great. I always get people stopping and talking. I think some of them may think I'm homeless, and I think some of them probably think I'm just enjoying a bit of the sun.'
Safety Concerns
Dave has sought help from Liverpool's homelessness services but feels frustrated by the options. He has been offered hostel and dormitory-style accommodation but does not feel comfortable staying there. 'They're not the nicest of places. They attract a lot of bad types of people. You don't know what type of people are in there, I wouldn't be able to sleep. I'd much rather find a quiet spot and be tucked away on my own,' he said.
'I feel much safer on the streets in a hammock than I would in one of those places,' Dave added. Instead, he heads away from busy city centre areas to secluded locations like woods or spots slightly outside Liverpool. 'I tend to head out of Liverpool a bit because the city is packed. I either go down the woods or anywhere I can find slightly out of Liverpool. I feel as safe as can be once I'm in it.'
Staying Positive
Despite his circumstances, Dave remains determined to stay positive. 'It's not the best situation to be in. But it could be worse. At least I'm lying out in the sun,' he said.
