London 2012 Olympics: Venue volunteers urged to carry on helping afterwards

Published on 08/08/2012 01:05

THE thousands of volunteers who have helped the Olympics run smoothly should be encouraged to continue with voluntary work after the Games have finished, a charity has urged.

WRVS, formerly the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, called on the thousands of Olympic Games Makers to consider continuing to volunteer in their community.

WRVS wants to recruit the Games Makers to join their 40,000 volunteers providing support services to older people, which help them to live independently in their homes.

Verity Haines, WRVS executive director of marketing and engagement, said: “The Olympic Games Makers deserve much praise. Their dedication and support has been instrumental in making the Games a success, and they are testimony to the difference volunteering can make.

“We would ask all of the Games Makers to consider continuing to dedicate some of their free time to volunteering and to join WRVS.

“Volunteering provides a meaningful way of making people feel they belong and connect with their communities but, at the same time, they would be playing a vital role helping older people live independently for longer.”

A recent WRVS report found older people who volunteer are happier and healthier than those who do not.