AFFORDABLE. CLINICALLY-LED. BUILT TO LAST.
Our mission is to make effective psychological support available to everyone, regardless of income, background or culture. YARDO combines clinical excellence with radical accessibility, meeting people where they are. We work in partnership with local community organisations, schools, GP surgeries and businesses to co-create programmes that genuinely respond to the needs of our neighbourhood.
What we offer
OUR PROGRAMMES
Mindfulness
From introductory sessions to deeper 8-week programmes
Arts therapies
Creative approaches to wellbeing
Counselling
Individual and group-based psychotherapy
Women's groups
Culturally sensitive, community-led
Tai Chi
Community Dong Sticks sessions
Workplace
Bespoke programmes for organisations
Our story
DELIVERING SINCE 2020
Despite launching during the pandemic, YARDO has delivered consistently across Ealing, reaching individuals who would otherwise have little to no access to psychological support.
2020-2021
Three 8-week online mindfulness programmes (63 people) • Six months of free counselling • SEN parenting support group • Weekly drop-in meditation sessions
2021-2022
Always
Mindfulness & self-compassion course for Black women • Women's empowerment group for school parents • Mindfulness for health in local nursery • Ongoing free counselling for young people at Bollo Brook Youth Club
Free or pay-what-you-can fees • Chromebooks and broadband provided to 11 participants • Economically, socially and culturally mixed by intention • All facilitators accredited, insured and DBS checked
Meet the team
OUR BOARD
Despite launching during the pandemic, YARDO has delivered consistently across Ealing, reaching individuals who would otherwise have little to no access to psychological support.
Paula Watson
YARDO grew out of my years running community buildings in South London - solving local problems creatively and collectively. It's also where I first encountered mindfulness.
Paula Watson MSc MBACP FRSA
Founding Director · Humanistic Psychotherapist · Trustee, Mindfulness Network Charity
Charlotte Frankham
I have worked in a variety of settings within the NHS since 2010 and prior to this, working in health and social care settings. I have experience of working with depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, bereavement, loss and psychosis.
Dr Charlotte Frankham
YARDO Director · Clinical Psychologist · Community Psychology · EMDR Therapist
Adeola Russell
My background spans government strategy, higher education and City consultancy, before I train at the Minster Centre, London. I now facilitate race awareness and anxiety workshops and online support groups, specialising in racial identity, neurodiversity and social responsibility.
Adeola Russell
Integrative Counsellor · Workshop Facilitator
Yasmin Dosanjh
I have collaborated with arts institutions, including the Tate Modern, V&A, Horniman Museum and Pitzhanger Gallery. I create provision for marginalised young people - work with Bollo Brook Youth centre, Schools & Traveller communities.
Yasmin Dosanjh MSc
YARDO Director · Children & Young People Focus · Art, Psychotherapy & Art Practitioner
OUR ASSOCIATES
Asia Charles
Asia is a mindfulness teacher delivering courses and workshops across clinical, educational, corporate and community settings, working with individuals and groups to build emotional wellbeing and resilience.​ In 2024, Asia ran our mindful dance workshop for children at Acton Gardens, contributed to our 'Talking Sticks' parent and child workshop, and supported our youth programme alongside twice BAFTA-nominated director George Amponsah.
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She holds a BSc in Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Arts Therapy (IATE), and is currently completing an MA in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Approaches at Bangor University.
Tazzyi
Tazzyi was appointed as our first Youth Ambassador in February 2023, with the support of funding from the BAYO Initiative (Ubele).
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​Currently a full-time student and musician, Tazzyi aims to provide creative opportunities and platforms for young people to express themselves through various art forms.
With the help of Yardo, the aim is to encourage healthy conversations around well-being and mindfulness through music, poetry and spoken word events in and around Ealing as well as directing young people to the support that is available to them.
Jemma Archer
Jemma has partnered with YARDO to deliver Mindfulness for Seniors with the United Anglo-Caribbean Society in Ealing.
A dedicated mindfulness teacher with a decade of practice, she continually refines her skills through ongoing training, workshops and retreats.
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Alongside her mindfulness work, Jemma brings over 15 years’ experience as a sports television producer, where mindfulness techniques have helped her navigate a demanding industry. She is passionate about supporting others in managing stress and is committed to diversity and inclusivity in mindfulness.
Samia Nelson
Samia's work is grounded in a philosophy of inclusiveness, embracing all cultures and identities. She has a deep regard for ordinary human suffering and welcomes all experiences.
Samia Nelson MSc — YARDO Director Adult & Group TA Psychotherapist · Parenting for Additional Needs (SEN)
"I am still practicing the meditation that helped me regain my power which had been sapped by worry and anxiety. Thank you."
Safia, Central Acton
Our vision
A community wellbeing hub in every neighbourhood
We believe that genuinely accessible community spaces are a vital and under-tapped source of preventative mental health support. Our long-term goal is to make possible a community wellbeing hub in every neighbourhood - were local people can co-create their own mental wealth-promoting activities and services.
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