Planning & support · England
Your hopes and goals
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This guide is for people in England.
Your wishes and interests matter.
Think about what makes you happy.
Think about what you would like to keep or change.
You might want a hobby, a friendship or a new place to visit.
You might want to learn or work.
Your goal should matter to you.
You can share your wishes in different ways.
You might use words, pictures, objects or movement.
People should give you time and listen.
You may need help to try something new.
Tell people what gets in the way.
Ask what support could help.
Choose a first step.
Agree who will help you.
Keep a plan you can understand.
Check whether you enjoy what you are doing.
You can change your mind.
Ask to change the plan if it is not working.
What you can do next
You can ask someone you trust to help.
You could say: Please help me plan something I want to do.
Explore person-centred planning activities Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- SCIE: Big Plans Web page
Activities to explore experiences, preferences and aspirations, including complex communication needs.
- NHS England: personalised care planning Web page
A plan built around what matters to the person.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Your hopes, interests and goals
Plan for the things that make life meaningful, with support shaped around you.
Children and adults · England
Start with your own hopes
An aspiration is something you hope for or want in your life. It might involve friends, relationships, a hobby, learning, work, a different home or feeling more comfortable. It can also mean keeping something you already enjoy. Paid work and qualifications can be goals when you want them; they are not the only measures of a good life.
Explore real choices
Think about good days, difficult days and things you would like to try. Use pictures, objects, visits or short taster sessions to explore possibilities. Have time to respond and change your mind. Supporters should offer meaningful choices, rather than assume that the activities already available are the only options.
Include people with profound and multiple learning disabilities
People with PMLD have hopes, interests and preferences that deserve attention. Use familiar communication methods, careful observation and knowledge from people who know the person well. Notice signs of enjoyment, discomfort, interest and refusal. Separate what is observed from what others think it means. Small everyday choices matter alongside broader opportunities for relationships and community life.
Turn a goal into practical support
Choose a first step and record who will help. Identify barriers such as transport, inaccessible places, communication, equipment or support hours. Ask what changes would make participation possible. Include health, comfort and safety without allowing a diagnosis alone to decide someone’s opportunities.
Check and change the plan
Record the goal in a way the person can use, such as photographs or a simple plan. Agree when to check progress. Ask whether the activity still matters and whether the support is working. Change the plan when interests, needs or circumstances change.
Words you could use
“What matters to me is … . I would like to try … . Please help me work out the support and first step.”
More useful links
- SCIE: Big Plans Web page
Activities to explore experiences, preferences and aspirations, including complex communication needs.
- NHS England: personalised care planning Web page
A plan built around what matters to the person.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 27 October 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- NHS England: personalised care and support planning Web page
Personal goals, practical actions and reviewing plans.
- SCIE: Big Plans Web page
Meaningful involvement of people with learning disabilities and complex communication needs.
- SCIE: monitoring person-centred care planning Web page
Interests, relationships, preferred routines, responsibilities and individual outcomes.