In The Red: Mounting Debt In The North East
More and more people in the region are struggling to cope with mounting debt an investigation by ITV Tyne Tees has revealed.
According to The Children's Society, 55,000 families in the North East are trapped in debt.
Another charity - Christians Against Poverty - said nearly half of those in debt (47 per cent) were sacrificing meals and four in 10 felt suicidal because of their mounting debt problems.
ITV Tyne Tees spoke to a number of people in the region who are in work and still falling into debt.
Pete Moss from Sunderland earned £14,000 a year when he found his bills stacking up. His debt built up on credit cards, loans, mobile phone bills and cable bills. Altogether it amounted to £11,000.
He believes the high cost of living is making us poorer.
Other charities and campaigners in the north east told ITV that they think that changes to the welfare system are adding to the region's mounting debt.
Several key changes were introduced which critics say are contributing to the issue.
The benefit cap is lowering the amount of payments some families can claim by £6,000.
Universal credit has consolidated different payments into one. It can, initially take more time to claim- although advances are available.
Personal Independent Payment (or PIP) is replacing the previous test for disability living allowance.
Deacon Tracey Hume runs a weekly foodbank in Gateshead. She says nearly every person she meets owes money, and blames the increasing attendance at the foodbank on a reduction in state benefits.
The Government says it is doing all it can to help the region, and that rising employment has been helped by changes to the welfare system.
Where can I go to get help?
There are a host of charities out there who can help if you get into debt:
Citizens Advice can provide free help in person or by phone
StepChange Debt Charity can provide advice or a free debt management plan (DMP)
National Debtline can offer free advice by phone and help set up a free DMP
PayPlan is an independent provider of free DMPs
Shelter is a housing charity that can provide advice by phone, online or in person
Christians Against Poverty can visit you at home to give advice and help you budget