In Practice: Healing-Centred Design

In Spring 2025 we are working on a range of exciting projects, interventions and ideas

We will be using the principles of Healing-Centred Design in planning, organising, delivery and evaluation.

The design challenges we are exploring this quarter are:

How can we support staff Equality, Equity and Inclusion networks to design and develop their purpose, mission and working practices? with NHS Northern Care Alliance

How can we engage social enterprises to build their strength, connection and capacity through local networking? with Bury VCFA and local social enterprises.

How can we cocreate leadership? with HMR Local Care Organisation

How can we evaluate a development fund using community insight and learning? with Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership

How can we use Healing-Centred Design to support team development? with a leading arts organisation

How can we create The Brilliant Box, an experience where community and connection come to life? with a National Festival

How can we develop and co-produce a long-term Community Led Approach to Mental Wellbeing? With a Public Health team

A Brilliant Thing’s purpose is to embed Healing Centred Design into all sectors of the economy. Healing-Centred Design is an approach that focuses on trauma informed practice, creativity and using systemic approaches to enable positive change and the creation of collective power.

Here’s how we will use it in each stage:

Planning

• We will listen first – We will start by deeply listening to the community or individuals involved, understanding their needs, experiences, and hopes. This ensures our plans are built around real needs and strengths, not assumptions.

• We will co-create – We will involve people with lived experiences in the planning process, making sure our solutions are meaningful and culturally relevant.

Organising

• We will create safe spaces – We will make sure meetings and gatherings are welcoming and supportive. This means setting ground rules for respect, offering emotional support, and ensuring the environment feels calm and inviting.

• We will stay flexible – We will be ready to adjust plans based on how people are feeling or what emerges as important. Healing isn’t always linear, so we will remain responsive.

Delivery

• We will build relationships – We will focus on trust and connection because people heal in relationships.

• We will empower – We will provide tools and opportunities for people to take charge of their own healing journeys, whether through workshops, storytelling, or creative activities.

• We will focus on strengths – We will highlight what people are already doing well and build from there, boosting confidence and encouraging positive change.

Evaluation

• We will reflect together – Instead of only using surveys or numbers, we will have conversations. We will ask people how they feel, what’s changed for them, and what they’d like to see next.

• We will celebrate progress – We will recognize and celebrate small wins and big changes alike, reinforcing positive momentum and acknowledging the hard work everyone has put in.

• We will adapt – We will use what we learn from evaluations to improve, ensuring continuous learning and growth.

Find out how to work with us here and check our socials for project progress!