Heather Loxley, regional director at Rainer, told the National Youth Agency and Rainer conference that the charity wanted to acknowledge young people's involvement in work, such as recruiting staff, but found it difficult: "We haven't found a solution, we have a problem in supporting young people on benefits. It's a real barrier."
Rainer would like to be able to give them vouchers, but there is no clarification on what they can give them, a spokeswoman for the charity told CYP Now.
One delegate said her organisation would like to acknowledge the work vulnerable young people do, such as using them in photographs or videos, but couldn't get the necessary permission to do so. She said the charity needs ways to reward these children.
Charities minister Phil Hope said organisations need to look for ways to reward young people, adding this didn't have to be done publicly. Hope said he had handed out certificates for achievements, which young people value highly.
