In this collection of stories, six managers and practitioners talk about their experiences of working with their counterparts in health and social services in development initiatives that were supported by the King's Fund in the period 1993-98. All of the accounts provide insights into the way people in primary health care and social services worked together before the Labour government resolved to bring down the 'Berlin walls' dividing health and social services. Views are expressed by those working with individuals, in locality commissioning groups and across boroughs and wider areas. The writers reveal their motivation for working in partnerships and give insights into the power relationships that can affect joint working. Efforts to build mutual understanding and a shared vision are described, as well as the problems that arise when people from different professional backgrounds and organisations work together.