Telling and Talking Workshops

One couple's experience of a workshop

"A huge thank you for Saturday's workshop. It was immensely useful and so good to feel able to talk about things in a safe environment. Both Jim and I feel more confident now in starting the telling process to our boys. More than anything it was brilliant to have the time to focus on the issues and actually think things through. What a lovely bunch of people too, so nice to know we are not alone."
Jim and Sarah

Who are they for?

The workshops are for parents of donor conceived children aged 0-7yrs. Experience has shown us that people benefit more from these sessions once they have become parents rather than during pregnancy. They are aimed at those who have not yet started to tell their children about how they came into the family as well as those who have begun the story and would like further guidance and support.

Issues faced by single women and lesbians are different from those encountered by heterosexual couples and as part of the Network's philosophy of trying to meet the needs of all parents of DC children, we are now offering separate workshops for these two groups of parents. Single women and lesbians remain welcome to sign up for mixed workshops but need to be aware that they may be the only person(s) attending in their particular situation.

If you are part of a couple we strongly recommend that you both attend. If single, you can attend alone or you could bring a family member or friend. We need a minimum of 14 to make the workshop viable but will be booking no more than 18 people.

What are they about?

The workshops will explore all the issues around telling children about their conception, including practical help with timing and language. There will be time to share personal experiences, as well as get information and guidance. Sharing information with family, friends and others who may need to know will also be discussed.

How much do they cost and what’s included?

The workshops cost £135 per person or £105 if booked over 4 weeks before the date. DC Network members can get a £10 discount per person. Some concessionary places are available. We want the workshops to be accessible to all and are not seeking to make a profit from them. The price includes refreshments, lunch and a pack of materials. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide childcare. We need a minimum of 14 bookings to run. We will decide 4 weeks before the workshop whether it is viable and will either confirm or cancel. If we cancel a full refund will be given. A full refund is offered if you cancel your booking before this cut-off date. After that we cannot offer any refund unless we are able to fill the place.

What are the locations, dates and times of the workshops?

The workshops are held on Saturdays to make them accessible to working parents. They are held at a venue in North London and run from 9.45am to 4pm.

What next? How do I book?

Choose a workshop from the schedule and check whether there are spaces. Print the Booking Form and send it back to us with a cheque. If you are not able to access the internet or do not have a printer, please email or phone us with your address and we can give more details and send a booking form by post.

What about after the workshops?

Many workshop participants choose to share their email addresses or phone numbers with each other following the workshop and to remain in touch this way. Continued contact with workshop facilitators is also possible.

What if we haven’t conceived yet?

If you are thinking about starting a family using a donor we are also running Preparing Yourself for DC Parenthood workshops See website for further details

More questions?

Just contact us by email and we will be happy to help.

Next Dates

Print a Booking Form