Mrs Shepherd, of Morpeth, was 26 weeks pregnant with her first child when she and her husband moved from England to Australia three years ago.

She sought the help of Family Insight to “regain her sanity”, she said.

“There were many parallels between England and Australia but some things were slightly different, such as the health system, and it was overwhelming for me,” she said.

“I was an at-home mum. I had always worked before having my son, so it was a culture shock on top of feeling very isolated.”

Mrs Shepherd’s GP recommended Family Insight and a volunteer visited her home.

“I relied on the volunteer to answer my questions about how things worked in Australia, what services were available to me and my children and for advice about parenting because I had no family here,” she said.

A volunteer spends time with Mrs Shepherd and her children Alex, two, and Willow, nine months.

“The volunteer reads to Alex and plays with Willow while I am able to get things done at home, like talking on the telephone without (the kids) screaming in the background,” she said.

“It has been a brilliant service for me. I am not sure what I would have done without it.”

Hunter Homestart and Family Insight celebrated the 20th anniversary of the home visit service at Maitland Park yesterday.

It is the only service of its kind in the region.

Volunteers are always needed for the service. Inquiries can be made by phoning 4961 0700.