Today marks the end of an era at Llamau as we say thank you and farewell to our extraordinary CEO, Frances Beecher, who retires after 25 years of leadership. 

When Fran joined Llamau, it was a small charity with services only in Cardiff and Barry.  Small enough to fit all colleagues around one board table. Fast forward 25 years, and thanks to Fran’s relentless drive, Llamau is now nearly 600 colleagues strong, supporting young people, women and children across the whole of Wales.

Fran has been the driving force behind our growth, leading major mergers that expanded our reach and impact - from Cardiff Single Women’s Housing Group to our most recent merger with Cardiff Women’s Aid. 

Over 20 years ago, Fran founded Cymorth Cymru, ensuring Welsh Government officials and Ministers protect Housing Support Grant funding and giving a collective voice to all support providers in Wales. 

Fran launched End Youth Homelessness Cymru to unite the sector in addressing youth homelessness. She also convinced Michael Sheen to support the campaign against the use of bed and breakfast accommodations for 16 and 17-year-olds in Wales, which subsequently became legislation.

Fran consulted young people experiencing homelessness about what could assist them. Based on their feedback, she collaborated with partners such as Welsh Government and BT to establish the first youth homelessness helpline in Wales.

Fran’s legacy is so much more than numbers. She is a one-woman powerhouse, unrelenting in her tenacity, passion, innovation, creativity and sheer determination. There is a quote from Shakespeare in Fran’s office that sums her up perfectly. 

“Though she be but little, she is fierce.”

Fran, thank you so much for EVERYTHING!

Enjoy your retirement — though we know you will never stop fighting for what is right.