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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.

We’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? 

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  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 £7 per month – join us! 

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. We’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 you’re thinking about using donor conception or are already having treatment, whether in the UK or abroad, we’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.  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

27

Social Meet Up for South West London

We are very pleased to welcome you to a social meet-up SW London families and intended parents. All are welcome to join, whatever your family circumstances, and whether you are parents or prospective parents. Join us for a chance to meet other local members and forge new connections. Children are very welcome. Date: Saturday 27th April, 10.00-12.00 Location: Elleray Hall, Teddington, TW11 0HG • 5 mins walk from Teddington railway station; parking available next to the site • Hot & cold drinks will be provided (no food)

Apr

28

Surrey – Family meetup

The next Surrey meet-up will be a family meetup a lovely park – Family Picnic SUNDAY 28th APRIL 1pm at Alice Holt Forest, Farnham Everyone is welcome and it’s a great place for kids and adults. We look forward to seeing you there! Jo, Mel and Kat x

Apr

29

Teen group – pre-session meet

Join us to meet the team for the Teen activity running at this year’s DCN conference on the 4th May. If you would like to read up more about the day planned, please see the programme here: https://www.dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2024/03/Teen-activity-2024-programme.pdf Do come prepared with any questions you or your child has about the session.

May

1

Men only – discussion group

This DCN chat is for men only – in any family type, using any donation, those who are thinker/tryers or parents already. The session will be led by Stephen, dad to twin 9 year old through egg donation in a heterosexual couple. 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

May

4

DCN Spring Conference

Annual London conference for DCN members. Join us for our annual DCN member conference in North London on 4 May 2024. The event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and to hear from knowledgeable and inspiring speakers. 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: children aged 13-17 can join the teen group. * DC people 18+: DC adults are welcome to join us and meet with others in the community. * Professionals in the field: Please do join us for an informative and thought-provoking event. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝘁? You’re welcome to join us at this conference but do be aware that the content is aimed mostly at those who already have donor conceived children. We’ll make sure we connect you with other prospective parents on the day. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼 You can find more details about the conference in the following documents: * Programme for the day: https://www.dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2024/03/Programme-to-save-and-share-ahead-of-the-day.pdf * Childcare and activities for children: https://www.dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2024/03/Babies-Children-Teens.pdf * Information summary: https://www.dcnetwork.org/app/uploads/2024/03/General-Information.pdf 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 you’ll also get access to online chats, WhatsApp groups, exclusive events, and much more. Visit https://www.dcnetwork.org/civicrm/contribute/transact/?reset=1&id=7 to join today. If you buy a ticket and are not a member, don’t worry – we’ll send you details of how to join. 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. Furthermore, everything discussed within our events is confidential and may not be reported or shared outside of the event. We may therefore have to refund tickets from those who do not meet these criteria. If you would like to discuss this with us before booking, please do give us a call on +44(0)20 7278 2608.

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

♡ 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