Stan Godek is a human relations trainer and consultant. He is a qualified social worker and group therapist with over 20 years direct experience with troubled children and their families. Stan has over 10 years experience of running residential units both in London and Edinburgh. He has also worked as a freelance trainer and consultant for over 10 years running training for foster carers, youth workers, social workers, psychologists and teachers in the UK, Russia and Ireland. 

Mindfulness Techniques for Children & Young People – a Practical Guide, written by leading mindfulness expert Stan Godek, is the first book of its kind to demonstrate how mindfulness can support children with disabilities and be used within Curriculum for Excellence. Combining practical instructions, exercises and illustrations with insights into the history and meaning of mindfulness, it draws on Stan’s recent sector-leading programme of work with the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh.

The 164-page book, aimed at practitioners working with children and young people across a wide range of settings.

Jackie Brock, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, said: “Mindfulness is increasingly regarded as a serious and credible way of supporting children, young people and adults to control anxiety, concentrate, and contribute to better education and work environments. Last week a cross-party group of MPs and peers called for mindfulness-based meditation to be rolled out across the UK’s public sector with the aim of improving the nation’s mental health, education and criminal justice system. Our hope is that through this unique new publication Stan is able to share his training and experience with as many readers as possible, so that these techniques can be used to improve young people’s lives.”

Elaine Brackenridge, Head Teacher at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, said: “When children are aware of themselves, their own behaviour patterns and the impact this has on them and others, they have more understanding of how they can use emotional regulation as a tool.  For some pupils, the mindfulness sessions have not only been enlightening, they have been liberating. The benefits to the pupils is noticeable and a pleasure to see. The pupils have realised the benefits of mindfulness for them and have used the techniques both in school and at home. It has been a pleasure working with Stan and we look forward to continuing our work with him.”

Illustrated by artist Sophie Rolland, the book charts the history and meaning of mindfulness; presents a set of practical exercises with worksheets; and explores the importance of breathing, visualisation and imaging and how to use these techniques in educational settings with children and young people.

A leading provider of courses in personal and professional development, Stan Godek is one of Children in Scotland’s trainers and widely recognized for his expertise in mindfulness. He said: “I’ve greatly enjoyed writing this book, drawing on my experiences of mindfulness practice and considering how these techniques have the potential to become part of mainstream educational approaches. My hope is that the techniques described in the book can be shared with schools and that mindfulness has the potential to become a fundamental part of Curriculum for Excellence.”