WRVS has credited the Olympics for a boost in volunteer enquiries to the charity over the summer.

WRVS, which has 40,000 volunteers, had seen enquiries about volunteering from the public more than double from 500 at the start of 2012 to 1,343 in July.

This rise in interest seen by WRVS chimes with a recent survey from CSV which estimates that the London 2012 Olympics has inspired 3.4 million people to volunteer.

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.”

This year’s Olympics saw 15,000 volunteers help out at the opening and closing ceremonies in London, as well as 70,000 volunteer “Games Makers” giving their time throughout the 17-day event, and a further 8,000 Team London Ambassadors, who took care of visitors to London.

The government seems keen to build on the volunteering momentum, launching a £2m volunteering legacy charity.

Further, minister for civil society Nick Hurd said in Parliament this week that the government was in discussion with LOCOG, who own the database for the majority of volunteers, about how to best keep them engaged.