FAMILIES in parts of Kent are struggling with huge debts and many individuals feel suicide is the only way out, it has been revealed.

The latest figures released by the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) show that personal debt has sky-rocketed in the Medway area, and hundreds of households are bearing the burden of debt-induced poverty.

CAB centres in Chatham and Gillingham have seen 384 clients in the past 12 months, with a total of £10m worth of unsecured debt on credit cards, remortgages and loans.

Two Medway families turned to Chatham CAB for help in the past few months, with more than £100,000 of unsecured debt on credit cards.

The number of bankruptcies has increased by nearly 80 per cent in two years, and CAB debt counsellors say the situation has reached crisis point, with many just choosing to hide their heads in the sand.

The figures for the Medway Towns have been disclosed at the ame time as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, has warned about Britain’s increasing consumer debt problem.

Keith Towler, housing and debt advisor at CAB Chatham, said: “The real problem is not the credit cards, but the debts which can end in repossession.

“There are an increasing amount of secondary lenders who offer people cash sums against their property, which can seem tempting.

“A day does not go past without someone with serious debt problems coming in and crying on us. For many, it is the first time they have unburdened all the worry and guilt.

“Many feel suicidal and are too embarrassed or proud to speak to people close to them about the problem. We do not make promises to magic the debt away, but we can help families manage the problem before it spirals further out of control.”

The problem is also becoming more common among those in their early 20s who are tempted to lead a lifestyle they cannot sustain. Mr Towler said it was important to get help as soon as possible.

People with a major debt problem in the Medway area can contact the CAB in Chatham on 01634 888189.