Help and support

We know that it can be daunting to think about using donor conception and surrogacy, but we’ve been offering support, information and community to families for 30 years.

They say it takes a village to raise children.

Well, sometimes it takes a village to even contemplate that journey.

Everyone needs support and community at different stages of life and for those considering egg, sperm or embryo donation, or raising a family after donor conception, we know that is especially true. People may be going through the stresses of fertility treatment, or dealing with complex emotions and having to make difficult decisions, and they often need the support of others going through something similar. They also need to connect with people who have been through all that and come out the other side, giving hope and guidance. Parents who are raising kids need to meet up with other parents with kids, and the kids themselves often benefit hugely from knowing others who were made ‘just like them’.

That is precisely why our charity was founded all those years ago. To break the isolation felt by so many who were navigating donor conception issues.

We have a whole host of resources and services to help support you on your journey to parenthood. Here are some of the most popular – please note that services marked (M) are for members only:

Connections and community

Welcoming team: on joining we will match you (with your consent) to one of our volunteers in the welcoming team. This gives you an opportunity to speak to a member who is in a similar situation to you, providing a space to share your experience and ask questions.
Online Zoom chats: we run 150+ online chats each year. They are a relaxed, easy way to meet others in a similar situation to you and to talk through shared issues that you are facing, all from the comfort of your own home.
WhatsApp: we have 90+ WhatsApp groups so you can find families just like yours for mutual support and information sharing.
Local meet-ups: our local groups organise in-person get-togethers all over the UK and in Ireland. They’re a great way to get to know other families in your local area.
Conferences: we run a large conference for members in London each spring and another outside the capital each autumn and an online virtual conference, usually in June/July. These are a great way to connect and learn. The cost of tickets is not included in your membership fee.
Children’s activities: at our conferences, we often run special activities so children can meet other children made ‘just like them’. The cost of these activities and creche places are not included in the membership fee.

Information

DCN Perspectives magazine: Our biannual magazine contains information, articles, interviews and reviews relating to donor conception
Friday Bulletin: members receive regular emails to keep them up to date on all things donor conception
Be the first to know: Our regular communication means you’ll be the first to hear about conference dates, workshops and other useful events and services.

Additional support open to all

Personal stories: our website has a wide range of articles, written mostly by members but also by professionals in the field of donor conception, that can be read by members and non-members.
Helpline: we run a free helpline for anyone struggling with donor conception issues. We have a wealth of personal experience and professional insight to help support families when they need it most. This is a free service which is also open to non-members. You can call our helpline on +44 (0)20 7278 2608.
Workshops: we have specially created workshops to support you at key points in your journey to parenthood. Destination Parenthood is designed for prospective parents who are thinking about using donor conception to create their families. Telling & Talking is for those who have donor conceived children and want to explore ways to tell them about their genetic origins. Our workshops are open to non-members and there is a separate fee to attend.

Join today for just £7 per month

We offer all the benefits listed above and more for only £7 per month. Plus we have a discounted rate for those on lower incomes to make sure we can support all donor conception families.

Find out about membership

Join today for just £7 per month

We offer all the benefits listed above and more for only £7 per month. Plus we have a discounted rate for those on lower incomes to make sure we can support all donor conception families.

Find out about membership