Peer pressure, particularly on boys, prevents many young people from getting involved for fear of being labelled as suckers or wimps. Ease of access is a requirement that has been highlighted in several studies and access is still a barrier. Most of the young people in this research did not have much idea of how to find out about volunteering opportunities. A major reason for not volunteering was simply that they didn't know how to go about it. More information, more encouragement and easy access points would help break down these entry barriers.
Experience is high on young people's wish-list for volunteering.
They want relevant and interesting experiences which will stand them in good stead in their personal and career development. Volunteering needs to offer opportunities to learn new skills, to take on challenges, to explore different careers, and to get work experience. These instrumental motivations are not new, but are increasing rapidly among young people. Incentives are important because of the competition for young people's time and attention. Inducements may be needed to help tip them into involvement, and once there certain rewards would sustain them.