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Events

We run hundreds of events each year, from our flagship London conference to friendly local meet-ups. Find out more about how you can join in.

See all upcoming events in the DCN calendar

From conferences to meet-ups in the pub, and from picnics to online workshops, we offer over 200 events each year and there’s something for everyone. Check out the full list of all our upcoming events.

See all upcoming DCN events

Events for members

Bringing people together and helping them establish connections is a really core part of what we do at DCN and events are a key tool in our toolbox.

Online chats

We run 150 online chats each year and these are divided by topic including: family type; child’s age; ethnicity; donation type; men only, and lots more. This makes it easy to find other families in a similar situation.

Local meet-ups

There’s nothing quite like getting together in person to build friendships so we run up to 120 local meet-ups each year. Lead by our local coordinators, these range from kid friendly picnics in the park to grown-up friendly meet-ups in the pub! We’ve got groups from Scotland down to Cornwall, and five in Ireland, so you’re bound to find one in your area.

Conferences

Since we began in 1993, we’ve run annual conferences to bring the donor conception community together and to share experiences, stories and hopes. Our London conference each spring attracts over 200 donor conception families and professionals and our smaller autumn conferences is a wonderful way for families to enjoy the benefits of the conference in their local area.

 

“We have a one year old who was conceived using both egg and sperm donors. The conference made us feel like we are part of something bigger, it’s not just us who have a donor conceived child. Plus, it just normalised the whole issue. I feel less concerned about the fact that I have a donor conceived child – I feel much more relaxed about the whole thing – thank you!”

 

 

This month’s member events

Member event

In person

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)
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Member event

In person

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
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Member event

Online

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
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Member event

In person

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.
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Member event

Online

May

6

Couples – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parents

This is a DCN chat for heterosexual or same-sex couples who are prospective parents considering or undertaking treatment through double or embryo donation. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This chat will be facilitated by Erica, mum to one child conceived through double donation. All our Chat facilitators are members themselves, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not a professionally led or educational event.
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Member event

Online

May

7

Single women – Double or embryo donation – Thinker / tryer

This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums, considering or using double or embryo donation. This chat offers a space for discussion and peer support. This chat will be facilitated by Kerry, solo mum through double donation. All our facilitators are solo mums in the Network. This is not a professionally led or educational event with set objectives, rather this is a space for sharing and meeting others at the same or a similar stage of the journey. Join us for a supportive space to talk to others in similar situations. If you find that you need further more professional support, please don’t hesitate to contact the DC Network office on enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Book now

Member event

Online

May

8

Mixed families

You are invited to join us for a conversation for members who are either intending or have ‘mixed’ families – our term for those with a naturally conceived child (or adopted) and a donor conceived child, to talk about shared issues. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Laura, mum to two – the oldest naturally conceived and the youngest conceive through egg donation. 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
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Member event

In person

May

11

Bath and Somerset – *new group* Family meetup

Come and join the new group for members in Bath and Somerset for their first meetup in Victoria Park in Frome.
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Member event

In person

May

12

Berkshire- Solo parents- Windsor way group

Windsor solo mum group are inviting solo mums (and mums-to-be) from across the county, to join their next events. The group have scheduled meetups on the 2nd Sunday of every other month, so put the following dates in your diary if you wish to join: Sunday 12 May 1pm South Hill Park Ringmead Bracknell RG12 7PA (rendezvous lawn near manor house/ cafe at front) Sunday 14 July 10.30am (until pm) Lammas Park, Staines TW184UA (rendezvous on grass between splash park to right and toilet block to left, bring swim stuff. Pay to park or park in Church St) Sunday 15 September 10.30am (until pm) South Hill Park, Ringmead Bracknell RG12 7PA (rendezvous lawn near manor house/ cafe at front) Sunday 24 November (Hall- TBC) am – time depending on availability Sunday 9 Feb (Hall- TBC) pm – time depending on availability
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Member event

In person

May

12

West of Ireland – General

All are welcome to this casual family meetup at Turoe Pet Farm, Loughrea, Galway: turoepetfarm.com. Date: Sunday, 12th May Time: 2 – 5pm Venue: Turoe Pet Farm, Turoe House, Turoe, Loughrea, Galway, H62 A432
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Member event

Online

May

13

Women in same-sex couples

This is a DCN chat for women in same-sex couples, prospective and parents alike. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Rachael; she and her partner have one child conceived . All our DCN Chat facilitators are members themselves, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not a professionally led or educational event, but will offer a supportive space to talk to others in similar situations. If you find that you need further more professional support, please don’t hesitate to contact the DC Network office on dcngroups@dcnetwork.org
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Member event

Online

May

16

‘Reflections’ – Parents of DC Adults

You are invited to join a new group for parents of DC adults. This group will be facilitated by Jane, one of our longterm members who also works with DCN. We are inviting parents of those with children who are adults. We hope this space can offer an attuned space to the discussions that may be more relevant to the context in which children were conceived 20+ years ago, in a different climate to that which is now prevalent, with regards to openness in particular. Join us for discussion and support from peers.
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Member event

In person

May

18

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.
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Member event

In person

May

18

London: Solo mums with children age 5 and under

Calling all solo mums expecting or with children up to age 5 years old (and any older siblings would be welcome, if you have more than one child) – Join the London solo mums’ meetup on Saturday 18th May, 10:00-12:00 at a small park near Brixton station with a dedicated under 5’s play area. Papa’s Park, 10-17 Pulross Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8AF (5 mins walk from Brixton station)
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Member event

Online

May

20

Donor conception and surrogacy in two-dad and solo dad families

This DCN Chat offers a chance to talk about the donor element of your journey. In particular, to consider the donor’s place in your family (or intended family) and thinking about how you may wish to share information about the donor. We also welcome any other topics which you wish to bring to the conversation and we offer a friendly welcoming opportunity for discussion. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Daniel – he and his partner are parents to two children, conceived through surrogacy and egg donation. All our DCN Chat facilitators are members themselves, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not an educational event, but rather a space for peer engagement on topics of interest. If you find that you need further support, please don’t hesitate to contact the DC Network office on enquiries@dcnetwork.org
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Member event

Online

May

20

Single women – Sperm or double donation – Thinker / tryer

This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm or double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support. This chat will be facilitated by Anna and Kirstie who alternately run the sessions in All are solo mums in the Network kindly volunteering as facilitators. This is not a professionally led or educational event with set objectives, rather this is a space for sharing and meeting others at the same or a similar stage of the journey. Join us for a supportive space to talk to others in similar situations. If you find that you need further more professional support, please don’t hesitate to contact the DC Network office on enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Book now

Member event

Online

May

21

Solo mums with children conceived through double or embryo donation

This is a DCN chat for solo mums through double or embryo donation- with children of all ages. Join this chat if you are pregnant/have children through double or embryo donation. If you are a thinker/tryer there is a DCN chat available for that stage. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This chat will be facilitated by Lucia, solo mum to twins through embryo donation. All our Chat facilitators are members themselves, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not a professionally led or educational event.
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Member event

Online

May

22

Couples – Double or embryo donation – Parents’ chat

This is a DCN chat for heterosexual or same-sex couples who are parents, who conceived through double or embryo donation. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This chat will be facilitated by Cat, mum to two, conceived through embryo donation. All our Chat facilitators are members themselves, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not a professionally led or educational event.
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Member event

Online

May

22

Ethnicity in donor conception

This DCN chat is an opportunity to come together to talk about the issue of ethnicity in donor conception. This may be relevant if you are undertaking treatment with a donor of a different ethnicity, where ethnicity shows up in your donor decision-making process or where your child’s external appearance differs significantly to you (or you and your partner). This DCN Chat is open to all, but please note that the intention of this discussion is to hold a space for people who are experiencing challenges and successes within this realm and to offer the opportunity to share these in a peer-support forum. There is no right or wrong and we would ask that anyone who joins does so with the intention of being extremely respectful with this somewhat sensitive issue. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Mariam. 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 supportive space to talk to others in similar situations. If you find that you need further more professional support, please don’t hesitate to contact the DC Network office on dcngroups@dcnetwork.org
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Member event

Online

May

23

Couples (including separated couples): talking with children ages approx. 8-13

You are invited to join us for a conversation for members parents to children children ages approx. 8-13 approx DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Kathryn, mum through sperm donation. 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
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Member event

Online

May

23

Heterosexual couples – Egg donation – Thinker / tryer

A space for members considering egg donation, to come together to talk about shared issues. DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Alex. 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 supportive 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
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Events for everyone

Not a DCN member yet? We run a number of events that are open to all. These include our much-loved Destination Parenthood workshops (for those just considering donor conception) and our Telling & Talking workshops (for those who have DC children and need support in thinking through their family story). Sometimes we open up spaces to our conferences to non-members too, so do follow us on social media to keep up to date with the latest on our events calendar.

Events open to non-members

Members and non-members

Online

Jun

8

Workshop: Telling & Talking (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 around during these workshops. You will need to ensure you have alternative child-care arranged for your child(ren) for the duration of the course, as it is a full and intensive programme). 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.
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Members and non-members

Online

Jun

22

Workshop: Destination Parenthood (single women)

Donor conception, difference and decision making – an ONLINE workshop for single women who are thinking about donor sperm, double or embryo donation. This Online DCN workshop is for you if you are: • A single woman who is 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 • 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 ** Please note that there is a 1 hour session on the Friday night 7.30-8.30pm for introductions and Zoom familiarisation and a 1 hour session on Saturday night 7.30-8.30pm to meet a donor conceived young person and ask them questions.** Why you should attend? • A comfortable and confidential space to think about what it means to you to create or add to your family using a donor • Run by three facilitators who are also parents of donor conceived children • A donor-conceived young person will also attend to chat with you about their experiences. • Talking with others in small and large groups throughout the day • Access to on-going peer support group with your fellow delegates • Comprehensive sets of handouts about all aspects of donor conception will be sent to you before and after the workshop This workshop is for those who have not yet conceived through donor conception (though you may have children already who are not donor-conceived) Please note medical aspects of donor conception are not covered in this workshop.
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Members and non-members

Online

Jul

13

Workshop: Destination Parenthood (heterosexual couples)

Donor conception, difference and decision making – an ONLINE workshop for heterosexual couples who are thinking about donor egg, sperm or embryo. This 1 day Online DCN workshop is for you if you are: • A heterosexual couple who are 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 • 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 ** Please note that there is a 1 hour session on the Friday night 7.30-8.30pm for introductions and Zoom familiarisation and a 1 hour session on Saturday night 7.30-8.30pm to meet a donor conceived young person and ask them questions.** Why you should attend. • A comfortable and confidential space to think about what it means to you to create or add to your family using a donor • Run by three facilitators who are also parents of donor conceived children • A donor-conceived young person will also attend to chat with you about their experiences. • Talking with others in small and large groups throughout the day • Access to on-going peer support group with your fellow delegates • Comprehensive sets of handouts about all aspects of donor conception will be sent to you before and after the workshop Our experience is that in order to get the most from the workshop, couples need to attend together if possible. This workshop is for those who have not yet conceived through donor conception (though you may have children already who are not donor-conceived) Please note medical aspects of donor conception are not covered in this workshop.
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Members and non-members

Online

Sep

14

Workshop: Telling & Talking (solo mum and two-mum families)

This workshop is for parents of donor-conceived children aged 0-7 years (Unfortunately, we are unable to have babies or children around during these workshops. You will need to ensure you have alternative child-care arranged for your child(ren) for the duration of the course, as it is a full and intensive programme). 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. As a single or lesbian woman, we recognise that your experiences are different from the time your pregnancy becomes public knowledge, and that attending our workshop even before your baby is born might be helpful for you. All of our single women and lesbian couples’ workshops have a small number of places for pregnant women.
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Members and non-members

In person

Nov

9

Getting Started

Event for prospective parents thinking about using a donor. If you’re thinking about using donor conception, we know you’ll have lots of questions. This event is the perfect place to start getting answers. Join us and hear from: * An embryologist from a UK clinic giving essential medical info * A donor conceived adult talking about their experiences of growing up DC * Parents by donor conception talking through their decision-making and life as a parent 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿? This event is suitable for everyone at the start of their donor conception journey, for same-sex and heterosexual couples and for those planning to become single parents. It’s a friendly, inclusive chance to meet others at a similar stage in a relaxed environment at this in-person event. 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹: The full day costs just £75 per person or £130 per couple when booked before 5 Oct (£90 and £160 after that date) and the 11am start time makes it easy to get to Waterloo and home in a day. This event is a Donor Conception Network event so you can rest assured that all information will be impartial and based on our experience of working with donor conception families for the past 30 years. 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸 The ticket price includes tea, coffee and cake but not lunch; this helps us keep costs down and means you can choose and order whatever you’d like separately. You can find the pub’s menu here: https://www.thehercules.co.uk/food/menus. You are also free to take lunch outside of course but we hope you’ll stay with us during the break as it will be a great opportunity to chat with other attendees and our DCN team.
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Members and non-members

In person

Nov

16

Workshop: Telling & Talking (IN PERSON; solo mum and two-mum 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. As a single or lesbian woman, we recognise that your experiences are different from the time your pregnancy becomes public knowledge, and that attending our workshop even before your baby is born might be helpful for you. All of our single women and lesbian couples’ workshops have a small number of places for pregnant women.
Book now

Members and non-members

In person

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.
Book now

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