Destination parenthood
Donor conception, difference and decision making
Online workshops for single women and heterosexual couples
Open to all members and non-members
Who are they for?
This Online DCN workshop is for you if you are:
- A heterosexual couple or single woman thinking about whether donor conception is the right way forward for you to create or expand your family
- Contemplating sperm, double or embryo donation with or without surrogacy
- Unsure about donor conception and would like to know more about it
- Interested in hearing from a donor-conceived young person about their experiences
- 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
- Thinking about having fertility treatment in the UK or abroad, or currently having treatment in the UK or abroad
- Using, or contemplating using an anonymous, known or identifiable donor
Some testimonials
'[the workshop]...was a hugely positive experience for us...finding people who were experiencing the same issues and having the opportunity to talk to people who'd been through it and come out the other side meant a great deal to both of us…'
'The course did not in any way try to sell the concept. I felt I was provided with a very authentic view.'
'An absolutely fantastic course which helped me work through a lot of questions and issues I had around our decision to use a donor egg. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted'
Who runs the workshops?
Two facilitators run each workshop; a man and a woman for heterosexual couples and two women from solo mum or lesbian couple families for those family types. All facilitators are long-standing members of DCN, have donor-conceived children themselves, either from treatment in the UK or abroad, and in addition bring wider relevant professional and personal experience. A third admin facilitator assists with running the online workshops.
Why come on this the workshop?
- We create a comfortable and confidential space to think about what it means to you to create or add to your family using a donor
- The workshop is run by three facilitators who are also parents of donor conceived children
- A donor-conceived young person will attend to chat with you about their experiences
- You'll be able to talk with others in small and large groups throughout the day
- You'll gain access to on-going peer support group with your fellow delegates
- We will provide you with comprehensive sets of handouts about all aspects of donor conception both before and after the workshop
Please note medical aspects of donor conception are not covered in this workshop.
You may have already decided this is the path you are going to take but want to understand a bit more about the implications; or you may not yet be clear whether donor conception is right for you. You will have a chance to gain information and to share your hopes, fears and concerns with others. This can feel daunting in prospect but the sense of release, support and solidarity gained is often seen as one of the greatest benefits. A recorded presentation given by a donor conception parent will be sent to you before the workshop; this gives you the opportunity to consider the topics raised before discussing them in the workshop. A further recorded discussion between two experts who have worked with donor conception families for many years will be played during the day. There will be time for discussions about the issues raised in both in small and large groups. In addition, there is the chance to have a live Q&A with a donor-conceived young person in the evening - not to be missed!
You will receive an information pack by email along with the link to the film in advance of the workshop.
Where and when are they?
The workshops are all presented online via Zoom. There is an introductory session on the Friday evening (7.30-8.30pm); on the Saturday the main workshop runs from 9.30am until 5pm, followed by an evening social session with a donor-conceived young person from 7.30pm-8.30pm.
Please note times are UK times
A few more testimonials
'I wish I still had the workshop to look forward to, it was so uplifting!'
'It was such a good balance of getting to speak to others on a difficult journey, listening to the speakers, getting chance to ask the speakers questions, and watching the film clips.'
'I am blown away by the feelings of kindness, support and love - despite it all being conducted online.'
Book now
Book the workshop appropriate for your family situation
If a workshop has free spaces, go ahead and book as spaces can go quickly. If there are no suitable dates or available places you can go on the waiting list or fill in this form selecting "Please contact me when new dates become available" Please note that more dates will be released for 2024 later in the year.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Your booking is only secure once we have received payment!
Following confirmation of your booking by email, and about two weeks prior to the workshop, we will ask you to complete a short survey online. This is a requirement of your attendance, and must be completed by each person (rather than each couple). You will also complete a short feedback form before you leave the workshop. Anonymised evaluations from these workshops may be used in DC Network materials or for funding applications.
One month before the workshop date we will decide whether the numbers of booked attendees are sufficient, and will either confirm or cancel. If we cancel a full refund will be given. Cancellations received 5 weeks before the workshop date will be refunded in full. Cancellations notified 3-5 weeks before the date will be refunded at 50%. We are unable to refund cancellations received with less than 3 weeks’ notice.
For a full list of our terms and conditions, please click here.
What if I have already conceived through donor conception?
We also run Telling and Talking workshops for parents of donor conceived children.