Whether it’s losing weight, packing in smoking or promising yourself a monthly facial, New Year resolutions usually veer towards self-improvement rather than improving the lives of others.

When it comes to resolving to be a better person, we tend to consider ourselves first.

That’s fair enough, but it’s also worth considering what around 5.1 million people in the UK are pledging to do this year – volunteering.

Volunteering sounds noble and appealing, and it’s good for the economy, with the millions of people giving their time for free, saving the country an estimated £40 billion.

And, of course, it offers the chance to build skills and experience – a CV boost for those seeking employment or further education.

Volunteering was given a shot in the arm following the London 2012 Olympics, when the ‘Games Makers’ were highlighted for giving up their time to deal with the thousands of people arriving from around the world.

These cheery souls helped visitors negotiate vast sports stadiums and even saw them across busy roads and onto buses afterwards, creating a community spirit probably not seen in London since the Blitz.

It led to a rise in volunteer numbers, but did it last? Figures from the Royal Voluntary Service show that, despite 13 per cent of people saying they planned to volunteer in January 2013, by December the overall figure had risen by only two per cent.

I’m one of those who started 2013 off with intentions of volunteering, then did precious little. I did approach a charity about helping out and they sent me a form to fill in, but that’s as far as it got.

I like the idea of helping people – serving up stew for the homeless, taking under-privileged children to the zoo, going shopping for housebound pensioners – but I never get around to it.

A few years ago, I visited eastern Ukraine and delivered aid to orphanages filled with abandoned children. I got all fired up, determined to do my bit to help people living in poverty when I returned home, but I’m ashamed to say I ended up doing nothing.

I use the excuse that I already have demands on my time; I work full-time and am a carer. But I could spare one evening a week or a Saturday afternoon, say. I find enough time to watch Celebrity Big Brother, so I can’t be that hard-pressed.

Maybe volunteering should become compulsory. If we were all legally required to do our bit, even for just an hour a week, it might make us less selfish as individuals.

And turning our attention to others, instead of aiming to look like Gwyneth Paltrow by spring, might mean that January doesn’t get so littered with broken New Year resolutions.