An exhibition at Ipswich Library is giving the public a rare glimpse into the life of people living homeless in the town.

Ipswich Star: The exhibition does not shy away from showing the harsh reality of life on the streets Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHERThe exhibition does not shy away from showing the harsh reality of life on the streets Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHER (Image: Archant)

The ‘Life on the Streets’ exhibition was created by giving 12 homeless people in Ipswich a disposable camera and asking them to take pictures of anything they have an emotional connection to.

The photographers, who organisers are keeping anonymous for their safety, are a mix of those living in temporary accommodation and others living rough on the streets.

Ipswich Star: The homeless pghotographers were asked to take pictures of places they had an emotional connection to Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHERThe homeless pghotographers were asked to take pictures of places they had an emotional connection to Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHER (Image: Archant)

The fascinating exhibition, which opens at the library on Saturday, February 2, gives a insight into their daily lives and what means the most to them.

While some captured Ipswich’s dark side, with gritty images of drug paraphernalia and rough sleeping spots, many offer a more optimistic and hopeful view on the town.

Ipswich Star: One photographer, who used to be in the merchant navy, took pictures of the boats at Ipswich Waterfront Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHEROne photographer, who used to be in the merchant navy, took pictures of the boats at Ipswich Waterfront Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHER (Image: Archant)

One photographer, who used to be in the merchant navy, had a particular interest in boats at Ipswich’s Waterfront, capturing stunning images of the morning sunshine glinting on the ships.

Showing how tough life can be without a home, of the 12 photographers who took part one has since died and another is now in prison.

Ipswich Star: Many of the images depict the darker side of Ipswich Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHERMany of the images depict the darker side of Ipswich Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHER (Image: Archant)

Adrian Manning, volunteer who has helped curate the exhibition, said it showed a side of Ipswich most never see.

He said: “At first I was quite cynical about the project because I had assumed people had other priorities – warmth, food and safety. But when I simplified it and just said go out and take pictures of whatever you feel an emotional connection to it just took off.

Ipswich Star: The exhibition at Ipswich Library gives a rare glimpse of what life is like living on the streets in Ipswich Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHERThe exhibition at Ipswich Library gives a rare glimpse of what life is like living on the streets in Ipswich Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHER (Image: Archant)

“On a fundamental level it proves there is no them and us. “We are all human beings and if I had chosen 12 different people we would have 12 very different set of pictures.”

The exhibition is being organised by charity Volunteering Matters in partnership with Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust’s health outreach team.

Ipswich Star: Each photographer had a different and unique view of Suffolk's county town Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHEREach photographer had a different and unique view of Suffolk's county town Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHER (Image: Archant)

Fiona Hanlon, from Volunteering Matters, said: “We wanted to do something that would really engage people. “So we decided to give out disposable cameras – I wasn’t even sure if you could still buy them – and asked people to take photos of anything they liked or had an emotional connection to.

“The photos they took are all very different and really reflect the individuals.”

Ipswich Star: One exhibitor took photographs of places he had once worked that are now closed Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHEROne exhibitor took photographs of places he had once worked that are now closed Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHER (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Some photographers took pictures of architecture in Ipswich Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHERSome photographers took pictures of architecture in Ipswich Picture: LIFE ON THE STREETS PHOTOGRAPHER (Image: Archant)