Student and Youth Parliament member takes the lead for local community

Sunderland College student and UK Youth Parliament member Harvey Gordon is supporting the elderly and vulnerable who are self-isolating by caring for their animals. 

Harvey, 17, who was chosen to represent the views of young people across Sunderland earlier this year, has volunteered to walk the dogs of local residents who are unable to leave their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Following the suspension of face-to-face teaching and closure of the Box Youth and Community Project, Harvey wanted to continue giving back to the community while studying at home. 

He said: “I have volunteered with the Box Youth and Community Project for four years now, however due to government guidelines we have had to close alongside schools and colleges due to government guidelines.  

“Despite this I have continued my voluntary work by volunteering to take two dogs for a walk for elderly residents who cannot leave their home due to their age and health conditions. 

“This is something I have thoroughly enjoyed as it not only ensures the dogs continue to get exercise, it also helps tackle social isolation in the elderly during the pandemic as I always have a chat with the owners of the dogs to make sure they are okay and coping well.” 

History, law and criminology student Harvey won a poll organised by Together for Children in March in which over 5,000 11-18-year olds cast their votes to elect Sunderland’s youth representatives for the annual parliament.