Skip to content
HomeEvents
  • Destination Parentho...

‘Destination Parenthood‘

A transformative, in-depth online workshop to help you understand what donor conception would mean for you and your family and decide if this path is right for you.

Next workshop: 11 October 2025

Our Destination Parenthood workshops are designed for heterosexual couples at the start of their donor conception journey. We currently aren’t running workshops for other family types due to demand.

They are ideal for those who are thinking about using donor conception to create or expand their family, as well as those who’ve already decided to use this route but would like to understand more about the implications.

This is a full day workshop, and is topped and tailed by a short introductory session on the Friday evening, and a lovely opportunity for an online evening social at the end on Saturday with a donor conceived young person – not to be missed!

‘The workshop was incredible.
The skill, openness and professionalism of the DCN was invaluable.’

Why join this workshop?

  • An intimate, personalised space in which you can work through your feelings
  • Understand your – and your partner’s – emotions, motivations, hopes and fears
  • A guided programme from which you’ll come out with a clearer idea of the next steps for you on your fertility journey
  • Gives an opportunity to talk to a donor-conceived young person about their experiences
  • Is run by three facilitators who are parents of donor conceived children
  • Provides the opportunity to talk with others in small and large groups throughout the day
  • Gives access to an on-going peer support group of your fellow delegates
  • Equips you with comprehensive handouts about all aspects of donor conception (sent before and after the workshop).

A supportive community

The workshop provides an opportunity to meet with others at a similar stage. We know from feedback that having being able to share your journey with your fellow delegates, particularly in the post-workshop WhatsApp group, is a huge benefit.

Essential info

  • Online
  • Early bird tickets only £129 per person/£199 per couple
  • Full pricing: £169 per person; £269 per couple
  • Personalised, interactive and intimate
  • Three facilitators for maximum 14 delegates

Book now

‘Great facilitators and technical support. Felt they were all very knowledgeable about the topic and because they all have donor conceived children that is a huge plus. It was nice to see, talk and meet parents on the other side of the journey. Also, I think it was great to have facilitators that have used donated sperm or donated eggs.’

Upcoming ‘Destination Parenthood’ workshops

Members and non-members

Online

Oct

11

Workshop: Destination Parenthood (heterosexual couples)

Donor conception, difference and decision making. A workshop for heterosexual couples thinking about using an egg, sperm or embryo donor (potentially also with surrogacy). **A transformative, in-depth workshop to help you understand what donor conception would mean for you and your family and decide if this path is right for you.** The Destination Parenthood workshop from DCN offers a transformative experience by providing a supportive community, firsthand experiences, ongoing peer support, comprehensive information, and emotional relief. A unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about your family-building journey. **Why join this workshop:** * An intimate, personalised space in which you can work through your feelings. * Understand your – and your partner’s – emotions, motivations, hopes and fears * A guided programme from which you’ll come out with a clearer idea of the next steps for you on your fertility journey **Don’t miss:** * Includes a male facilitator and dedicated opportunity for men to talk separately from their partners * Bonus session with a donor conceived adult where you can ask questions and hear their perspective **After the workshop, you will:** * Have a better understanding of your own emotions about taking this route, as well as those of your partner * Feel more confident about the next steps, whatever they might be for you * Feel less alone by meeting others on the same journey as you * Have heard real-life experiences from parents via donor conception who have older children * Gain valuable insights into how donor conceived people feel about their origins, through a Q&A session with a DC adult and post-event resources pack * Benefit from ongoing support after the workshop thanks to a WhatsApp group of fellow delegates for peer support * Receive comprehensive written information in our delegate pack to help you navigate the process post-event **Tailored to the needs of prospective parents:** The workshop facilitators are parents via donor conception themselves and their personal experiences and insights can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process. We run these workshops with small groups – a maximum of 8 couples – to ensure there’s plenty of time for you to devote to your own needs. This ensures we can create a comfortable and confidential space to explore your options without judgment or pressure. **This one day online workshop is for you if you are:** * A heterosexual couple thinking about whether donor conception is the right way forward to create or expand your family * Thinking about having fertility treatment in the UK or abroad * Considering an anonymous donor or a donor who is identifiable or known to you personally * Unsure about donor conception and would like to know more about the long term implications * Wondering if you need time out to evaluate where you have got to on your fertility journey and what your options may be for the future Our experience is that in order to get the most from the workshop, couples need to attend together if possible. This workshop is for those who have not yet conceived through donor conception (though you may already have children who are not donor-conceived). The focus is on the social and emotional aspects, and medical questions around donor conception are not covered in this workshop. **Please note that there is a 1 hour session on the Friday night 7.30-8.30pm for introductions and Zoom familiarisation and a 1 hour session on Saturday night 7.30-8.30pm to meet a donor conceived young person and ask them questions.**
Book now

‘Getting Started‘ or ‘Destination Parenthood‘ – which event is right for me?

If you’re new to DCN and haven’t yet had donor conceived children, we have two options that are especially designed for you. ‘Getting Started’ is our one-day event which provides all the information you need to get started on your route to parenthood. Speakers include an embryologist from a UK clinic to help you understand the medical elements, as well as donor conception families who share their real-life stories. Our ‘Destination Parenthood’ workshop is a much smaller, more intimate space with three facilitators for a maximum of 14 participants and you’ll work through the emotional side of using donor conception to make or extend your family. See our table to compare what each option gives you:

Feeling unsure?

We know this is an emotional topic. We’re really looking forward to seeing you and the event promises to be a warm and friendly space with lots of support available. If you’d like to have a chat before booking, please feel free to give us a call on 020 7282 2608 or email enquiries@dcnetwork.org as we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.