<p>The Valuing People White Paper (Department of Health 2001) stressed the importance of person centred planning (PCP) in helping people with learning disabilities to take charge of their own lives. The guidance (DoH 2002) emphasised that PCP is not a professional activity done to people, but is rather about the people themselves, their friends and families or other allies taking the lead. However, professional services still have an enormous role to play in responding in a more person centred way to people with learning disabilities. Critically this means:</p> ■<p>Helping people say what is important to them</p> ■<p>Helping them get the help they need</p> ■<p>Making sure people are in control of their own lives.</p>