The The Principle Trust Children’s Charity have appointed a new patron of the charity.
The Principle Trust Children’s Charity has announced the appointment of Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar as a Patron and Children’s Mental Health Ambassador, strengthening its commitment to supporting children and families across Yorkshire.
Yasmin is the founder of Watoto Play, which creates human-led, AI-powered digital healthcare solutions, and a neurodivergent BACP-accredited trauma counsellor.
Her work supports adults, educators, parents, and carers navigating alexithymia, overwhelm, burnout, rejection sensitivity, emotion-based school avoidance, and ongoing communication breakdown within the home.
Her approach is grounded in the belief that communication and behaviour challenges are often not a lack of willingness, but a nervous-system response to stress.
Through practical tools and relational learning, she helps families move from cycles of shutdown, escalation, and conflict towards clarity, advocacy, and repair.
In June 2026, Yasmin will launch a five-month Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Communication Pilot in Otley and Harrogate. The programme will include:
· A structured learning journey focused on communication, emotional regulation, and safer connection
· Monthly in-person sessions for guidance and skill-building
· Practical, interactive tools to support families before, during, and after moments of tension
· AI-supported learning to help apply skills in real-life situations
· Support for neurodivergent communication patterns, including alexithymia and rejection sensitivity
· Guidance for parents navigating mobile phone boundaries, screen-time, and conflict repair
While welcomed by some, these changes can create tension at home, with phone use often becoming a flashpoint for conflict, secrecy, or emotional overwhelm.
The pilot will support parents and carers to approach these moments with greater understanding, helping to build trust, communication, and more sustainable boundaries.
The pilot operates on a pay-as-you-feel contribution model, ensuring accessibility for families regardless of circumstances.
Proceeds will be shared between The Principle Trust Children’s Charity and Otley Community Larder, directly supporting local children and community initiatives.
Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar said:
“Having quietly supported the charity over the past couple of years, officially becoming a Patron feels deeply aligned with the work I do every day.
"When families are given tools to communicate safely and regulate overwhelm, children experience greater stability, security, and connection. Prevention matters.
"Early relational support matters.
“The new mobile phone policies will be welcomed by many, but they may also create difficult conversations at home.
"Parents need support, not shame, as they help children adjust to new boundaries around technology.
"This work is about reducing blowouts, strengthening communication, and helping families move from conflict into connection.”
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