Heterosexual couple

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Prospective parent

Same sex female couple

Same sex male couple

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Single woman

Bristol – local group meetup

Come along to join this well-established group for in-person meetups scheduled across the year: 6th September, 10-2pm, Old Library, Muller Road BS7 ...

6 Sep 12:00-14:00

This event is for DCN members only. Please login or join now.

Come along to join this well-established group for in-person meetups scheduled across the year:

6th September, 10-2pm, Old Library, Muller Road BS7

If you would like to come along, please contact Celine and Viv via the Bristol Whatsapp group, which you can join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HVYtJMa4iZ12HkeNUrlidF

This event is for DCN members only. Please login or join now.

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Apr

23

Couples - Double or embryo donation - Parents' chat

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Heterosexual couples -Chat for those considering egg donation - Prospective parent

A space for members considering egg donation, to come together to talk about shared issues. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Alex. *There is a separate group running for those undertaking treatment already – this group is predominently for thinking through this route to parenthood. All our DCN Chat facilitators are members themselves, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not a professionally led or educational event. Join us for a supportive space to talk to others in similar situations. If you find that you need further support, please dont hesitate to contact the DC Network office on enquiries@dcnetwork.org

Member event

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Apr

27

DCN Spring Conference 2025

We’re really excited to announce that tickets are on sale for our annual DCN members’ conference in North London on Sunday 27 April 2025. The event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and to hear from knowledgeable and inspiring speakers. __Programme for the day__ [Conference programme](https://dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2025/03/Programme-to-share-ahead-of-the-day.pdf) We have a full day planned, as you’ll see from the programme attached (and linked above). You’ll hear from parents and donor conceived adults sharing their experiences. A sperm donor and a young man from a solo mum family will be speaking about meeting and their developing relationship. We have invited Debbie Kennett to talk about home DNA testing. Debbie is an expert and author on genetic genealogy. She’ll explain about what home DNA testing is, how people are using it and the impact and implications for donor conception families. We’re very pleased to have Dr Vasanti Jadva from University of London presenting a selection of research, aiming to shed light on the complexity of searching for donor connections and the different feelings that people can have towards those they are connected to. Alternatively, instead of the research session, you’ll have the option to join a small group to focus discussion on specific topics. More details will be sent out after you book, but you can see the [options here](https://bookwhen.com/dcn-national-conferences/e/ev-sq3s-20250427120000). The breaks and final hour will provide some relaxed time for conversations and connections with other members, making the day social as well as informative and supportive. 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁? * Parents of donor conceived children: If you’ve had children this is a chance to meet other parents, to share experiences and get support. This is a family event so we provide childcare and activities for children up to 12 to make it possible for you all to attend the day. * DC teens and adults: this is an opportunity for children 13-17 and DC adults 18+ to join us for the day and meet with others. * Professionals in the field: Please do join us for an informative and thought-provoking event. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝘁? If you haven’t had children yet, you’re welcome to join us at this conference but do be aware that the content is aimed mostly at parents. Also, we’d like you to be aware that there will be babies and children present. If you do decide to book, we’ll make sure we connect you with any other prospective parents who are there on the day. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼 You can find more details about the conference in the following documents: * [Information summary](https://www.dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2025/01/General-Information-London-conference-2025.pdf) * [Childcare and activities for children](https://www.dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2025/01/Babies-Children-Teens-London-conference-2025.pdf) * [Programme for the day](https://dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2025/03/Programme-to-share-ahead-of-the-day.pdf) * Childcare and children’s activity places are LIMITED so book soon * Booking deadline is 22 April * Cancellations befor 11 April will be refunded in full but we aren’t able to refund after that date 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗗𝗖𝗡 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿? This event is for DCN members and is one of the many benefits of membership. You can join us for just £7 per month (less if you are a lower income household) and as a member, in addition to being able to book tickets for the conference, you’ll also get access to online chats, WhatsApp groups, exclusive events, and much more. [Join here](https://www.dcnetwork.org/civicrm/contribute/transact/?reset=1&id=7). 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀: it’s really important to us that our conferences and events provide a safe, confidential space for us to discuss what can be very personal matters. We therefore do not allow journalists or media to attend unless they are joining in a personal capacity as a parent or prospective parent via donor conception or are a donor conceived adult. Everything discussed within our events is confidential and may not be reported or shared outside of the event.

Member event

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Apr

28

Single women - Sperm donation - Prospective parent

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Member event

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29

Solo parents to children in primary school (approximately 6-12 years old)

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Member event

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30

Couples (including separated couples) with children ages 4-7

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Member event

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May

3

Virtual Meetup for members in North America

Please join us to meet other DCN members living in the United States and Canada on May 3rd, 6pm EST. This is an informal opportunity to get to know others in North America, chat about all things donor conception, and form some new connections. DCN volunteer, Joumana, will be facilitating the Chat.

Member event

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6

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Member event

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May

7

Chat for men only - those considering or who are dads through sperm donation

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Members and non-members

Online

May

10

Workshop: Telling & Talking (solo mum and two-mum families)

This workshop is for parents of donor-conceived children aged 0-7 years. Not sure how to begin a conversation with your child about their donor conception story? Maybe you’re unsure about whether telling is the right thing to do? Or perhaps you’re concerned about who to tell and not tell in your life? Our Telling & Talking workshop is designed specifically with your needs and questions in mind. It provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore the benefits of telling and how to get started. This workshop is equally appropriate whether you had treatment in the UK or abroad, with a known, identifiable or anonymous donor or if your treatment involved surrogacy. You may be wondering how to start talking to your child about their donor-conceived origins, or you may have already begun this process and would like to explore what may come up in the future. As a single or lesbian woman, we recognise that your experiences are different from the time your pregnancy becomes public knowledge, and that attending our workshop even before your baby is born might be helpful for you. All of our single women and lesbian couples’ workshops have a small number of places for pregnant women.

Member event

In person

May

10

Bristol - local group meetup

Come along to join this well-established group for in-person meetups scheduled across the year: 10th May, 10-3pm, Blaise Castle 21st June, 10-3pm, Ashton Court 27th July, 10-3pm, Clifton Observatory 6th September, 10-2pm, Old Library, Muller Road BS7

Member event

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May

11

Dorset - Family meetup

Come and join members in Dorset for a meetup at Kingston Maurward and a chance to get to know other members locally. Meetup at midday. Explore Sign up here to let us know to expect you.

Member event

In person

May

11

South East London meetup

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Member event

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May

14

Mixed families

You are invited to join us for a conversation for members who are either intending or have ‘mixed’ families – our term for those with a naturally conceived child (or adopted) and a donor conceived child, to talk about shared issues. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Laura, mum to two – the oldest naturally conceived and the youngest conceive through egg donation. All our DCN Chat facilitators are members themselves, volunteers, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not a professionally led or educational event. Join us for a supportive space to talk to others in similar situations. If you find that you need further support, please don’t hesitate to contact the DC Network office on enquiries@dcnetwork.org

Members and non-members

Online

May

17

Workshop: Telling & Talking (mum-and-dad families)

This workshop is for parents of donor-conceived children aged 0-7 years. Not sure how to begin a conversation with your child about their donor conception story? Maybe you’re unsure about whether telling is the right thing to do? Or perhaps you’re concerned about who to tell and not tell in your life? Our Telling & Talking workshop is designed specifically with your needs and questions in mind. It provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore the benefits of telling and how to get started. This workshop is equally appropriate whether you had treatment in the UK or abroad, with a known, identifiable or anonymous donor or if your treatment involved surrogacy. You may be wondering how to start talking to your child about their donor-conceived origins, or you may have already begun this process and would like to explore what may come up in the future.

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