18 & Under - Background Information

Award-winning Eighteen and Under is a unique organisation committed to constant consultation with young people to identify their needs and provide them with the means to empower themselves and survive their personal traumatic experiences.

Beginning as a Dundee Rape Crisis Centre project with limited funding and just one worker, it was quickly recognised that the need for such a service was greater than first imagined and Eighteen and Under was born!

In the past twelve years the independent organisation has gone from strength to strength and has achieved so much, beginning with the establishment of a dedicated telephone helpline, face to face support for girls and boys, aged eighteen and under, who have been abused to training other agencies in dealing with disclosures of abuse and violence from younger people.

Achievements for Eighteen and Under include a 1998 Dundee Citizen of the Year award for our co-ordinator, a Junior Chambers Award for a young volunteer, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award in recognition of the organisation’s work and far too many more to mention!

The multi award winning VIP (Very Important Person) Programme has developed over the last eight years into a comprehensive personal safety and violence prevention resource for children of all ages and, most recently, senior citizens. Check out our awards page for a comprehensive list of our achievements.

An independent study carried out by professor Ian Barron at Dundee University found that 33% of children who attended the 6 week schools VIP programmes disclosed abuse or violence of some kind. These early disclosures are vital for future abuse prevention. The simple ‘Say No! Go, Tell’ messages add immeasurably to the safety of children, giving them awareness of potentially unsafe situations, and what to do if they feel threatened in any way. With alternatives to violence also being explored, the VIP programme also has a positive impact on potential abusers of the future.

These resources have been designed to be picked up and used by anyone who works with young people or vulnerable adults. They are easily adaptable to any situation or audience. And the research proves, beyond doubt, that they do work!

Eighteen and Under is one of a handful of UK organisations to be accepted as members of the World Health Organisation’s Violence Prevention Alliance – a real testament to the ground breaking and innovative work that the organisation does.

But Eighteen and Under is most proud of what they regard as their greatest achievement, gaining the confidence and trust of many young people who have no reason to trust adults at all.

18 & Under Website

Ever growing list of services offered by Eighteen and Under:

Confidential support to young people, their families and friends

Free phone service

Information and advice relating to abuse of all kinds

Advocacy for young people

Befriending

Accompaniment to courts, hospitals, police

Support, activity and health groups

Pregnancy testing

Crisis drop-in facilities

Abuse prevention workshops aimed at young people, staff and parents in schools, family centres, nurseries and community groups

Personal safety sessions for senior citizens and other vulnerable adults in the community

Safety youth work sessions

Training for volunteers, agencies and communities

Approved child protection materials for schools

Awareness talks in the community

Consultancy for other agencies

Young peoples’ rights and campaigning for young peoples’ rights

Volunteering opportunities and accreditation