Anne helps Tweed youth stay on right track

As reports of rising youth crime increase, good samaritans like Anne Cosgrove are helping to make the streets of Tweed a safer place at night for everyone.

The Southern Cross University Bachelor of Social Sciences student is putting her studies into practice by working with the team at Cool Heads, a mobile street service which aims to support young people and reduce the risk of them becoming involved in crime or anti social behaviour – either as victims or perpetrators.

Run by St Joseph’s Youth Service, Cool Heads runs a bus manned by trained volunteers who tour the streets from Tweed to Pottsville Friday and Saturday nights offering young people any assistance they may need including first aid, advice, referrals to other youth services, a safe haven or just a friendly face.

Anne, who recently took on the position of project recruitment officer as well as continuing her voluntary work for the organisation, said she enjoyed having the opportunity to apply the theories learned in the classroom to address issues in her local community.

“We park the bus in a safe area and sometimes we approach young people and explain what we do, or we wait for them to come to us,” said Anne.

“We have got to know some of them, so often they might come and have a chat - it provides a reassuring presence and allows us to check everything is OK.

“At the University, subjects like psychology and Indigenous world views have given me a broader perspective and shown me how to approach my work in an ethical and appropriate way - and of course my majors in counselling and social welfare have been directly relevant.

“It’s satisfying to be able to put my studies into practice in a way that makes a difference to people’s lives.”

Cool Heads, which is endorsed by both Gold Coast City Council and Tweed Shire Council, was set up after collaborations with local government, police and the community in response to concerns about reports of a rise in youth crime and anti social behaviour.

The organisation relies on volunteers like Anne who are given training in areas such as first aid, conflict resolution and managing incidents.

Southern Cross University community engagement officer Lisa Francisco, who has been involved as a member of the Cool Heads steering committee, said the project provided an important service for young people and the rest of the community.

“It takes community services out of offices and into the real world, which means it’s visible and accessible to the people it aims to help, and it also provides a way to get a clear picture of what’s really happening,” said Lisa.

“It’s about diffusing situations rather than policing, and it’s reassuring for parents and the wider community to know that there is someone out there – and for young people to know that they are valued members of their community.

“It’s also an opportunity for people who are community minded and want to do something positive for their local community to get actively involved. Volunteers like Anne are doing some wonderful work and the service could not be run without them.”

Anne hopes that her work with Cool Heads is just the beginning.

“I love what I do and what I am studying – I think I live it a bit I think,” said Anne.

“I am interested in connecting young people with old people and creating a link, and maybe if we have more services like Cool Heads we can really make a difference.

“I think our reason for being is to contribute to our community and helping others is a goal everyone can have.

If you are interested in volunteering for Cool Heads, call 0407 192121.


Photo: Anne Cosgrove and the Cool Heads bus donated by Seaside Shelter Inc (high resolution photo available on request).