OVERCOMING the stigma of poverty was the theme of an event featuring groups of people expert at living on the breadline held in Shipley last night.

Kirkgate Community Centre played host to an exhibition and discussion forum entitled: The Roles We Play: Recognising the Contribution of People in Poverty.

Co-organiser Dr Ruth Patrick, of the School of Sociology & Social Policy at the University of Leeds, said it featured the opportunity for people to have an audience with people considered to be real experts on poverty and welfare reform because of their own impoverishment.

"We are told and hear a lot about what people in poverty think and this about actually listening to them," Dr Patrick said.

"We have people here from the local council, the voluntary sector and local members of the public.

"One of the issues is looking at the stigma that can be attached to those who are in poverty, when there is so much such people do.

"The four groups who took part have all done very different projects and have all taken a stand.

"We hope it might inspire more action among Shipley people," said Dr Patrick, who lives in Shipley.

There was an exhibition by ATD Fourth World and artist and photographer Eva Sajovic.

London-based ATD Fourth World is an international anti-poverty organisation which works alongside individuals and families in London and across the UK.

The Dole Animators are a Leeds-based group of benefit claimants who came together in 2013 to make an animated film about their experiences of welfare reform and who continue to share their experiences of the benefit system.

Also at the event were Voices, a group of people from Stoke-on-Trent, whose lives have been affected by long-term homelessness, addiction, mental ill-health and offending.

And topping it off were Thrive, a group from Stockton-on-Tees, whose members have been looking at the impact of sanctions on individual lives.

There was also a discussion around the impact of the stigma of poverty and benefits and how this affects those living in poverty in Britain today.

Participants also explored their experiences of recent and ongoing welfare reforms, reflecting on the new shape of welfare in England following Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement.

There was also be a chance to ask questions and to think about how the knowledge and expertise of these real experts on poverty and welfare reform could be better included in policy and practice.

The event was opened by Martin Stubbs, Bradford Council's assistant director, revenues and benefits, who said: "Bradford Council is happy to be involved in events which work to help and support people who are living in poverty and to try to find ways in which their situation can be improved."