10 YEARS OF SUPPORT
Since then, TRAC2 has become a beacon of hope for those struggling with poverty and high street debt in the Torfaen community. Our unwavering dedication to helping families overcome financial hardship and avoid relationship breakdowns, separation, and homelessness has helped to change countless lives for the better.
As a charity, we understand that poverty is not just about a lack of financial resources. It is about facing insecurity, uncertainty, and impossible decisions about money on a daily basis. It is about feeling marginalized and even discriminated against because of financial circumstances beyond our control. That is why we are committed to providing support and assistance to those in need, not just today, but for as long as we are needed.
Our commitment to helping those in need has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, we have been honored to receive numerous awards and accolades, including the Jo Cox Community Champion Award and an MRW Award. We have even had visits from Hollywood star Michael Sheen, who has been a vocal advocate for our work supporting homeless teenagers in Wales.
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic presented us with the greatest challenge yet. However, with the support of our amazing donors, we were able to provide essential services to those who needed it most, even during the height of the crisis. We created a food store, provided PPE equipment, and offered emotional support through video calls and messaging.
As we look back on our first 10 years of operation, we are proud of everything we have accomplished. But we know that there is still much work to be done. We remain committed to our mission of helping families overcome poverty and financial hardship, and we look forward to serving the Torfaen community for many more years to come.
2013
Thanks to a successful CED bid in 2013, TRAC2 welcomed Stan the Van into our small family. This addition allowed our dedicated team, led by Sue, to collect even more of the much-needed items generously donated by members of our community. Stan the Van became an invaluable asset, helping us to reach more families in need and spread hope and support throughout the community. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our team and the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to make a real difference in the lives of countless families.
2014
The year 2014 saw the launch of TRAC2 Outreach offices, a central hub that served as a lifeline for those in need. The office housed a number of essential supporting agencies, including Communities First and Citizens Advice, making it easier for members of our community to access the help and support they needed, quickly and locally. The TRAC2 Outreach offices became a beacon of hope, providing a welcoming and supportive environment where people could come for guidance and assistance, regardless of their circumstances. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team, the Outreach offices have become an invaluable resource for our community, helping to change lives and spread hope throughout Torfaen.
2015
2015 was a year of celebration for TRAC2 as we reached an incredible milestone – we had saved a staggering 100 tons of items from landfill! This amazing achievement is equivalent to the weight of an aeroplane, train, or even a blue whale. It’s hard to believe that this all started with just one determined woman and her trusty van. Sue’s unwavering dedication and commitment to helping those in need have transformed the lives of countless families, and the impact of her work on the environment cannot be overstated. At TRAC2, we are immensely proud of this achievement, and it serves as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the willingness to make a difference, no matter how small the steps may seem.
2016
The year 2016 was truly unforgettable for TRAC2. We were honoured to receive several accolades for our work, including winning an MRW award and having our founder, Sue, listed in NESTA’s prestigious Top 50 New Radicals list. These recognitions served as a testament to the incredible impact that TRAC2 has had on the community and the environment, and they helped to raise awareness of our cause on a global scale. But the highlight of the year came when we received a visit from none other than Hollywood star Michael Sheen, who showed his support for our mission and helped to shine a spotlight on the vital work that we do. It was an unforgettable moment for our team, and it inspired us to continue to work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the world around us.
2018
The year 2018 was another landmark year for TRAC2. Our founder, Sue, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the community when she was presented with the Jo Cox Community Champion Award at the Senedd. This prestigious award is a fitting tribute to Sue’s tireless dedication and hard work in making a difference in the lives of those around her.
We were also thrilled to welcome Michael Sheen back to our annual Evening of Thanks, where he gave a passionate and inspiring speech. Michael’s tireless campaign for the rights and safety of homeless teenagers in Wales has been a source of inspiration for us all, and we were proud to be associated with his amazing work. His support and advocacy for our cause has been invaluable, and we are grateful for his continued commitment to making the world a better place.
2019
The year 2019 brought yet another incredible honor for TRAC2 and our founder, Sue. She was thrilled to learn that she had been nominated as a Community Champion, and we were all incredibly proud when a Stagecoach Gold bus was named in her honor. This was a wonderful tribute to Sue’s unwavering commitment to the community and her tireless efforts to help those in need. The bus, bearing Sue’s name, served as a reminder of the incredible impact that one person can have on the world around them, and we were honored to have been a part of this momentous occasion. Sue’s dedication and hard work have inspired us all, and we remain committed to carrying on her legacy for years to come.
2020
The past decade has been filled with incredible successes for TRAC2, but none were more challenging than the year 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, claiming millions of lives and disrupting the lives of countless more. In the face of this crisis, TRAC2 remained open and committed to serving our community. We knew that our role as a crisis support charity had never been more important.
Despite the many challenges we faced, we rose to the occasion, creating a food store to provide emergency provisions, supporting other organizations and pop-up groups, and ensuring that our staff and clients were carefully protected throughout the pandemic. Most importantly, we were there for our community in every way we could be. We provided a listening ear, a helping hand, and even virtual support at end-of-life moments.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our donors and supporters. It is thanks to your generosity and compassion that we were able to weather this storm and continue to be a source of hope and strength for our community. On behalf of everyone at TRAC2, we want to say a heartfelt thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our mission. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of those around us for years to come.