Church Action on Poverty's helped to created a new set of guidelines for journalists based on the words and experiences of people who rely on benefits.
It was a response to wider media reporting which some argue encourages negative stereotypes about people living in poverty.
Shirley has used a food bank before and receives benefits while also working, and contributed to the guidelines.
She said: "Recognise that people living in poverty are human beings. People living in poverty have dignity.
"That humanity and dignity is taken away because of how the media portrays them."
CAP Poverty Media Coordinator, Jackie Cox, said: "Producing a guide for journalists with the NUJ has been a great way to follow on from our Real Benefits Street project which challenged the negative stereotypes portrayed by Channel 4's Benefits Street and some other sections of the media.
"We wanted the people who are experiencing poverty, and being stigmatised because of it, to be able to put their point of view to journalists."
Rachel Broady, a freelance journalist and Equality Officer for the NUJ Manchester and Salford branch, said: "Profits are made by media companies, newspapers, websites, and television channels on the backs of these stereotypes, demonising and alienating those receiving benefits to which they are entitled.
"It is the duty of journalists to report fairly and accurately.
"The guide is intended to help journalists achieve that when reporting on poverty".
The CAP NUJ initiative launched on Wednesday.
