This project paper is the product of a working party convened by the King's Fund Centre to examine the provision of day services for people with mental handicaps. The importance of work in society and for people with mental handicaps is discussed and principles of service design described. Problems with existing day services are outlined and examples of existing work options given. Ranges of employment options and a vocational service are examined. The paper also investigates possible sources of funding and concludes by looking at local strategies for change, considering ways in which people can get local initiatives off the ground.