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We are the Donor Conception Network

Parent-led and child-focused, we have been supporting donor conception families for over 30 years.

Weโ€™re a supportive charity network providing information, support and community for those building, or thinking about building, their family through donor conception.

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Thinking about donor conception to create or expand your family?ย 

You’ve come to the right place. We have a whole host of resources to provide the support and information you need to navigate your journey.

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Telling and talking ย with your child?

Parents through donor conception can sometimes feel daunted at the prospect of explaining to their child how they were conceived. We know it isn’t always easy and that’s where we can help.

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Membership only ยฃ7 per month –ย join us!ย 

We have a huge range of resources and services that we provide through a membership subscription.

We keep our fees low to ensure we’re accessible to all donor conception families and whatever your circumstances we look forward to welcoming you into our community!

Find out about membership

Bookshop

Our specialist bookshop contains a whole range of titles for children and adults. Plus our best-selling ‘Our Story’ book comes in 42 versions to help you tell your family story with confidence.

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‘Getting Started’ – thinking about using a donor?

Getting Started is a brand new event for 2024 for anyone thinking about using a donor to build their family. Weโ€™ll have a medical expert, a donor conceived person and THREE parents via donor conception giving all the info you need to help you make your decision.

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Considering egg, sperm, double or embryo donation?

Looking for information or support? Feeling alone?

If youโ€™re thinking about using donor conception or are already having treatment, whether in the UK or abroad, weโ€™re here to offer support, information and a community of families in a similar situation. We can help you think through your questions and concerns; just click on the section below that fits your family type to get details aimed more specifically at you and your family.

Already a parent?

Looking for help with telling your child about their conception?

We know it can be daunting to tell your child that they are donor conceived. We believe that openness is best for the child and for the whole family and have 30 years’ experience helping families to think through how and when to share their family’s story. We have books, workshops and online chats to help you navigate these conversations. We also have specific guidance for people with older children who haven’t been told yet, as well as opportunities for children to meet others made ‘just like them’.

Featured events

Featured

Our Story

One of our bestsellers, ‘Our Story’ is a range of books aimed at young children aged 3-6.ย  They provide a simple introduction to donor conception in age-appropriate language. We have nearly 40 different versions covering a wide range of families. We even have books for donors to help them explain to their own children.

View all books

Upcoming events

Apr

20

West Midlands – Walk down the river in Stratford Upon Avon

We have a new volunteer coordinator taking up the West Midlands group and planning to offer several opportunities for members to get together in the West Midlands and surrounding area. The first event has been scheduled for Saturday 20th April. 11am for a meetup in Stratford upon Avon. Join the group for a walk down the river in Stratford upon Avon, followed by a picnic in the park (bring your own lunch and picnic blanket!) then for the kids a play at the free Riverside Play Park.

Apr

21

South coast / Solent Solos- Solo parents group

This group is for solo parents in the South coast area of the UK (including Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex). To sign up and to find out more information please contact Victoria, group coordinator, by emailing dcn.southcoast@gmail.com [Do not make the booking here]

Apr

21

Hertfordshire – Family meetup

Come along to join the next meetup for members in Hertfordshire at St. Marks church hall on Sunday 21st April Members in all circumstances and family types are warmly welcome! There is a kitchen facility there that is available to be used. Randi will be there to welcome you!

Apr

22

Miscarriage following donor conception

We have set up this DCN chat specifically for members who have experienced miscarriage following donor conception. In recognition of the particularly sensitive nature of this topic, the chat/group will be facilitated by Julie, one of our DCN Professional Members, who is a counsellor experienced in working with fertility issues and donor conception. However, like other DCN chats, it is intended to offer an opportunity to share experiences, feelings and challenges with a view to creating a mutually supportive space.

Apr

22

Solo parents – 2024: with babies born or expected this year

This is a DCN chat for solo mums or solo dads with babies born or expected in 2024. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This event will be facilitated by long-time volunteer and solo mum, Debbie. Join us for a supportive space to talk to others in similar situations. This is not a professionally led or educational event. If you find that you need further more professional support, please don’t hesitate to contact the DC Network office on enquiries@dcnetwork.org

About the Donor Conception Network

They say it takes a village to raise children. Well, sometimes it takes a village to help you even contemplate that journey.

We’re a supportive charity network of over 2,200, mainly UK-based, families with children conceived with donated sperm, eggs or embryos, those thinking about or undergoing donor conception procedures and donor conceived people. We provide support, information and a community of families in a similar situation.

Find out more

โ™ก Donate today

We are a small charity and are funded by membership fees and by donations. If you would like to support us, your donation would be greatly appreciated and will help us support the next generation of donor conception families.

Donate now

Sign up to our mailing list

If you’re interested in donor conception issues, whether personally or professionally, do sign up to our mailing list.

If you are a donor conceived adult this is also the way to connect with us and access the support we offer you.

Sign up now