More people are asking about becoming volunteers following the success of the Games Makers programme during the Olympics and Paralympics. File picture: John Walton/PA Wire

A charity serving older people has seen a huge increase in the number of people interested in volunteering who have been inspired by the Games Makers at the Olympics and Paralympics.

WRVS, which has 40,000 volunteers, had around 500 enquiries from members of the public looking to become volunteers at the start of 2012. In July, the month the Olympic Games started, this leapt to 1,343.

The charity is now calling on members of the public to keep the enthusiasm going and consider becoming a volunteer to help others in their community.

David McCullough, WRVS chief executive, said: “It’s great that so many people have been inspired by the fantastic example set by the Games Makers and enquired about joining WRVS.

“We need to maintain momentum and ensure that the legacy of the Games Makers continues to benefit society.

“Volunteering is hugely rewarding and we know that WRVS’ existing 40,000 volunteers get enormous satisfaction from the contribution they make to their communities.

“We would encourage anyone thinking of taking up volunteering to take the plunge and get involved.”

WRVS is looking for more volunteers to help support older people in the community in a variety of roles, from providing company to someone isolated, giving housebound people lifts to the shops, visiting hospital patients and distributing Meals on Wheels.