Volunteer training opportunity – Group dynamics and facilitation
Group Facilitation and Dynamics-2.5 hrs and CPD accredited
(For DCN Chat volunteers and Conference faciliators)
Join us for this practical training in applying group dynamics theory ...
18 Jun 19:00-21:30
This event is for DCN members only. Please login or join now.
Group Facilitation and Dynamics-2.5 hrs and CPD accredited
(For DCN Chat volunteers and Conference faciliators)
Join us for this practical training in applying group dynamics theory to help us manage different kinds of groups in the mental health and social care sectors.
Sign up here to let us know if you would like to join this training opportunity.
This event is for DCN members only. Please login or join now.
More upcoming events
Member event
Online
Apr
23
Couples - Double or embryo donation - Parents' chat
This is a DCN chat for heterosexual or same-sex couples who are parents, who conceived through double or embryo donation.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This chat will be facilitated by Erica, mum to one son, conceived through double donation.
All our Chat facilitators are members themselves, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not a professionally led or educational event.
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
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.
Single women - Sperm donation - Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
This is not a professionally led or educational event with set objectives, rather this is a space for sharing and meeting others at the same or a similar stage of the journey.
Join us for a supportive space to talk to others in similar situations. If you find that you need further more professional support, please don’t hesitate to contact the DC Network office on enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Solo parents to children in primary school (approximately 6-12 years old)
This is a DCN chat for solo mums or dads with children at primary school ages.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Stefanie, solo mum to one child. 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 more professional support, please don’t hesitate to contact the DC Network office on enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Couples (including separated couples) with children ages 4-7
You are invited to join us for a conversation for members who are parents to children aged 4-7 years old.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Mary-Blair, mum through egg donation to two children. 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
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.
Couples (including separated couples): talking with children ages approx. 8-12
You are invited to join us for a conversation for members parents to children children ages approx. 8-12 approx
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Fran, mum to two, conceived with 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
Chat for men only - those considering or who are dads through sperm donation
This DCN chat is for men only – in heterosexual couples, consideirng, undergoing treatment or dads through sperm donation.
This Chat will be facilitated by Chris, dad to two children, conceived with sperm donation.
DCN Chats offer a space for members to come together to talk about shared issues. This is a peer support online get-together.
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 friendly non-judgemental 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
Workshop for professionals working with donor conception families and prospective parents.
Do you work with donor conception families or with patients using donor eggs, sperm or embryos? Our ‘Making it Real’ workshop is specially designed for you, to enhance your knowledge and understanding of this route to parenthood and help you offer families the support they need.
This is an interactive and experiential workshop and we always get fantastic feedback.
“𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘡𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰!”
“𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.”
This workshop will deepen your own understanding of the ways in which creating a child using eggs, sperm or embryos from a third party, including with surrogacy, is different from standard fertility treatments. We look at how to help prospective parents consider the lifetime implications of this route for the child and the family. We also look at how to support families as children grow up and circumstances (and interest levels) change.
𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀
* Friday 9 May 2025
* 9:15am – 4:45pm
* Zoom – Online
* £130 or early bird price £100 if booked before 1 March
* [Programme](https://dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2025/04/Making-It-Real-April-2025-Programme-overview.pdf)
𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱:
1. Hear the experiences of parents and donor conceived adults – how do these families fare in the long term?
2. Consider the place of the donor, the donor’s family and any genetic siblings or half-siblings in donor conception families (especially important post-2023).
3. Learn how DNA testing is revolutionising the making of genetic connections and the implications for families.
4. Listen to DC Network’s long view of life for donor conception families
5. Feel better supported in your role in the fast changing world of donor conception.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱:
* The support needed by donor conception families before, during and after treatment, especially as choices are being made about clinics and countries.
* The popularity of genetic testing companies and the impact of the removal of anonymity in the UK – what’s changed now that the donor register has opened?
* The services and resources offered by DC Network – and how these complement and build on information provided and counselling undertaken in clinics and elsewhere
* The social and emotional issues of using donated gametes
* The implications of the use of DNA and genetic testing websites
* The experiences of patients and clients in greater depth.
𝗔𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱?
Please note that the content of this workshop will be very similar to those run in previous years. If you attended before, you are welcome to attend the day again or you may like to take this opportunity to recommend it to colleagues so they can experience it for themselves.
Attendance at this workshop will inform your policy and practice in helping you support your clients and patients in making decisions that are right for their future. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 020 7278 2608 or at enquiries@dcnetwork.org.
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.
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
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.
The SE London group are getting together for a summer meetup thanks to volunteer, Cathy.
Join us for a picnic in Peckham Rye park on Sun 11th May, 2.30-4.30, Peckham Rye park
All are welcome, prospective and parents in all family types, and children of course. You don’t have to be from SE London to join, if you want to come along you are welcome!!!
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
We’ve been helping donor conception families for 30 years. Join us to get specialist support and information, and to find a community of families in a similar situation.
Don’t miss our next conference in London on 27 April. We have a really fantastic programme and only a few places left, so do sign up now if you’d like to join us. Find out moreDismiss
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
3rd Party Cookies
This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.
Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.
Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!
