Moving to a new town can be hard. The upheaval can prove stressful, particularly if you have a young family and do not know anyone in the area.

Home-Start, another beneficiary of this year's Christmas toy appeal, understands this problem only too well.

The voluntary organisation offers support through practical help and friendship to parents with children under school age.

Jan Aylward, 54, has been involved in the group for nearly 20 years and has been senior organiser for the past four years.

She said: "Last year we helped over 100 families. Most people use the service for at least three months, if not longer.

"The main part of Home-Start is the home visit aspect. Our volunteers will go out and befriend families for two or three hours if they are new to the area or feeling a bit lonely.

"Sometimes if parents have lots of children there can be a sense of isolation if they are unable to get out. Mothers may suffer from post-natal depression.

"We are not councillors but offer an excellent listening service.

"The toy appeal is really appreciated. Swindon is supposedly an affluent area but there are still families who struggle, particularly at Christmas.

"The fact that they may receive a few more toys than they can afford is excellent."

Tracy Hanks, 35, is a mother who will bear testimony to the benefits of Home-Start. Mrs Hanks, who lives in Eldene, has a 17-month-old son, Bradley, and is expecting twins in January.

She said: "I have been coming here for about four months, ever since I moved from Plymouth. My husband works in London so it can be an extra struggle while he's away, particularly as I'm pregnant.

"This sort of session gives me the chance to meet other mums while letting Bradley play and make new friends. It's a good social outing for him.

"Even though I'm still in the room with him, I know I don't have to run around after him as the volunteers are on hand. It makes a nice rest."

Ruth Beavers, 42, is a play leader and volunteer visitor. She has spent seven years at the Swindon branch and three previous years at Home-Start in Cyprus.

She said: "It is an international operation. We are non-judgmental, and anyone is welcome if they have a child under five. "This group offers parents the chance to chat to other people in similar situations while their children play or make friends."

Home-Start volunteers are usually parents themselves. All volunteers give the name of two people as referees and undergo a police screening.

Margaret Harrison founded the scheme in 1973 in Leicester and there are now over 300 schemes across the UK.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, or to find out times of sessions, call Swindon 613886.

www.home-start.org.uk