Julie Morgan’s distinguished political career in local government, Westminster and the Senedd ended in May 2026. Good Neighbours (GNINC) was overjoyed when she kindly agreed at the end of June to become our Patron.
Rosemary Mathews, Chairperson of GNINC, said: “We are delighted to have Julie on board. She knows we are a small grassroots organisation that will benefit greatly from her patronage. Julie has long been a great friend and supporter of our charity in North Cardiff, attending funding meetings, supporting events and activities, and promoting our services. We hope this new relationship will strengthen the charity’s reputation, support its longevity, and help continue its work across North Cardiff. Julie will be formally welcomed by our members as our Patron at our AGM on July 16 at St Isan’s Church Hall at 5.00pm”
Julie Morgan said: “GNINC is a lifeline for older and more vulnerable people who want to stay independent at home. From shopping and transport to companionship, its Good Neighbour Volunteers make a real difference every day. Its motto — Your Community, My Community, Our Community — says it all: local people helping local people live well in the place they know and love. I am delighted to become Patron and champion this outstanding North Cardiff charity.”
About Julie Morgan:
Julie Morgan made significant contributions to the way we live our lives including introducing 3 Private members bills in Westminster –
Banning sunbeds for under 18’s, no Smoking in Public spaces, and lowering the voting age to 16 which we saw at the most recent Senedd Elections.
She also championed the setting up the first Women’s committee in South Glamorgan County Council and was deputy minister for Health and Social services in the Senedd for ten years – Her work on the smoking ban, children’s rights, and social care hasn’t just changed laws – it’s changed lives. In the Senedd, she’s been a voice of wisdom and experience, but also of progress and reform. Julie has never stopped pushing for positive change, never stopped believing that Wales can do better. – Eluned Morgan
Good Neighbours in North Cardiff – GNINC was established in 1981 by Llanishen Churches Together and for most of the time since then were known as “Llanishen Good Neighbours”, becoming a registered charity in 2000. During the early years the organisation was run by volunteers from the Churches Together group with one of the local churches clergy’s representative acting as a chairperson.
In 2015, following the closure of many other good neighbour schemes in Cardiff, we changed our name to “Good Neighbours in North Cardiff” as this more correctly reflected the areas we cover – Thornhill, Llanishen, Lisvane, Heath, Birchgrove, Roath Park, Lakeside and Cyncoed. In 2024 we expanded and now include Rhiwbina in our service area.
Cardiff has grown significantly over the last 25 years. Although, population projections indicate a slowdown in growth over the next 25 years (2018-2043), there is still a projected increase of 24,642 residents, with those aged 65+ seeing the highest growth rate in the North Cardiff area.