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The Big Question

How are donor conceived young people really doing?

Wondering what the research says about the emotional and psychological wellbeing of donor conceived young people? Join our conversation with Dr Sophie Zadeh where we talk about the findings of her research into 18-32 year olds.

 

Tues 26 November – a members-only event.

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TALKING ABOUT DONOR CONCEPTION

Telling your family story 

Build confidence in your family story and get guidance on the best way to ‘tell’ with our one-day workshop for mum-and-dad families. 

 

SOLD OUT: 2024 workshops all fully booked

See 2025 dates

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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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

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’. Choose your family type from the options below to find out more.

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

Nov

23

Workshop: Telling & Talking (IN PERSON, mum-and-dad families)

This workshop is for parents of donor-conceived children aged 0-7 years (Unfortunately, we are unable to have babies or children present during these workshops.) They are equally appropriate whether you had treatment in the UK or abroad, with a known, identifiable or anonymous donor or if your treatment involved surrogacy. You may be wondering how to start talking to your child about their donor-conceived origins, or you may have already begun this process and would like to explore what may come up in the future.

Nov

23

Thames Valley – Solo Mums’ meetup

Join the next meetup for solo mums and mums-to-be in Thames Valley for a get-together at the Lewknor Village Hall.

Nov

24

North west solo mums’ group meetup

The North West solo mums’ group welcomes all solo mums or mums to be. A long running group led by Jenny and Kate who welcome you to join their in person meetups for support and community.

Nov

26

The Big Question – How are DC young people *really* doing?

Wondering what the research says about the emotional and psychological wellbeing of donor conceived young people? Join our conversation with Dr Sophie Zadeh where we talk about the findings of her research into 18-32 year olds. This will be a really interesting exploration of the research outcomes and will give parents valuable insights into the experiences and feelings of donor conceived people. As part of the study, Dr Zadeh conducted long-form interviews, focus groups, and a nationwide survey, capturing a wealth of information. We’ll be asking: * What are the key takeaways from the research for parents of DC people?’ * What surprised her in the findings? * What trends emerged from the study? We’ll also welcome questions from members – this will be a great opportunity to ask an expert, and we’ll be giving you the chance to submit questions in advance and on the night.

Nov

27

Couples (including separated couples) with children ages 0-3

You are invited to join us for a conversation for members who are parents to small children aged 0-3 years old. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Mary-Blair, mum through egg donation to two children. All our DCN Chat facilitators are members themselves, volunteers, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not a professionally led or educational event. Join us for a supportive space to talk to others in similar situations. If you find that you need further 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.

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♡ 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