The Black Design Guild is a funded programme of support for Black researchers and designers hosted by Hello Brave and funded by Impact on Urban Health and JRF.

Retreat.

In June you’ll join the BDG retreat. A space for 10 Black researchers and designers to come together in order to rest, heal and prepare for their learning and leadership journey.

On the first evening, the group will come together to meet, build relationships and set intentions for the retreat. Over the next few days, the group will attend a series of sessions (optional and fixed) focused on nurturing the capacities and capabilities that will support you as you progress in your career.

Facilitated by leaders in the field, the session will be interactive, impactful and will offer space to experiment and explore. In between these moments, we’ll take time to rest, laugh, reflect and play.

You can read more about the June 2025 retreat here.

Learning + Healing.

After your retreat, you’ll receive £800 to support you to continue your learning, healing and leadership journey.

We know that as Black people our progression is not only about our technical skills. That’s why this programme also centres your own personal healing journey, wellbeing and health.

Every member of the Black Design Guild will receive a £800 budget to use on anything you want, from coaching and courses to spa days and rent. Whatever you know will aid your mind, body and spirit, and your readiness to grow and learn. You can draw this down at the time and pace during your BDG journey that is right for you.

Community.

After the retreat you’ll be invited to monthly workshops in Jul, Aug and Sep 2025. As well as an end-of-cohort celebration event at the end of the year.

We know a crucial part of growing and learning during your leadership journey is the people you surround yourself with. They provide a listening ear and wise counsel. They champion you and help you foster deeper and wider connections across the sector.

As part of the Guild, you’ll join a cohort of up to 10 other Black researchers and designers in this space. You’ll meet each other at the retreat and at monthly workshops for the following three months, to share craft, ideas and inspiration. You’ll also wrap up the cohort with a celebration event and you’ll be encouraged to stay in touch.

After your five months as part of an active cohort, you’ll also be part of the Black Design Guild alumni. As an alum, you’ll be invited to help support future cohorts and future events, keeping you connected and supporting the network to grow.