Single woman
Information and resources for single women who are considering using sperm, double or embryo donation to build their family, and for solo mum families who already have children conceived this way.
Getting started
Thinking about donor conception?
You might have always planned to be a solo mum or perhaps had hoped to do this as part of a couple and be coming to this as a plan B. Maybe you’ve been trying with donor sperm and now you’re considering moving on to double or embryo donation and wondering how it will feel to lose all genetic connection with any child. Whatever your circumstances, we can provide support and information. We recommend starting on the ‘Making your Decision’ page as these first pages contain information specific to the early part of your donor conception journey.
Already a parent?
If you’re pregnant or have children you might be looking for contact with other solo mums for yourself and a place for your child to meet others made ‘just like them’. Maybe you’re being asked questions at work or by family or friends and are wondering how to respond. You might be looking for guidance around how to explain things to your child or how to continue that conversation as he or she grows up and has questions. Older children may be wondering about the donor and/or half siblings and potentially be interested in making contact. You might be wondering how to support them if that avenue isn’t open to them. We recommend you start at the ‘Telling and Talking’ page and work your way through from there.
Events for you
Blue events are DCN members-only, purple are open to all:
Member event
In person
May
31
Scotland: Meetup in Edinburgh
We are delighted to invite our Scottish members to a family meetup in The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Sunday 31 May at botanic gardens, Edinburgh 10:30-12:00
– Edinburgh botanic gardens. Meet at the Terrace cafe up the hill
Sarah, local meetup coordinator, will look forward to welcoming you to this event.
Members in all situations are very welcome. Whether you have children already or still considering, do come along to meet others in the Network!
Member event
Online
Jun
1
‘Reflections’ – Parents of DC Adults
You are invited to join the 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 chat 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.
Member event
Online
Jun
3
Single women – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parent
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
Members and non-members
Online
Jun
6
Workshop: Telling & Talking (solo mum and two-mum families)
This workshop is for parents of donor-conceived children aged 0-7 years.
Not sure how to begin a conversation with your child about their donor conception story? Maybe you’re unsure about whether telling is the right thing to do? Or perhaps you’re concerned about who to tell and not tell in your life? Our Telling & Talking workshop is designed specifically with your needs and questions in mind. It provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore the benefits of telling and how to get started.
This workshop is 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.
Member event
In person
Jun
7
**Date change: West Midlands meetup for all
The next DCN West Midlands meeting will be on Sunday 7th May, 1pm
Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield B74 2YT
Meet at Sutton Park Town Gate Visitor Centre at 1pm then we will find a picnic spot nearer the playground.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kXPmRj1bpkuoY2WV8?g_st=ac
Member event
Online
Jun
10
Half sibling discussion
This DCN Chat is aimed at discussing the pros and cons of taking steps to identify genetic siblings. We will offer a space to deliberate about the merits and pitfalls of this and what possible implications doing so/or not do so might have on you and your child. The chat will be facilitated by Adrienne, who is a solo mum with a child born in 2020. This forum is for discussing the topic, rather than a ‘how to’.
** Becuase of the nature of the conversation we ask that participants are particularly careful not to share identifying details of their donor.
Member event
Online
Jun
11
Anonymous donation – for those who don’t have ID release or known donors
This DCN Chat is aimed at discussing anonymous donation and how that is experienced for us as donation recipients. The chat will be facilitated by Valentina, DCN member, and mum through egg donation to two children through anonymous donation.
Please be aware that the Anonymous donation chat’s purpose is to understand the meaning that is given to the anonymous donation and how it is managed by those who are already parents. Prospective parents can join the call, however the main goal is to offer an opportunity to talk through the meaning that recipient parents give to the anonymous donation, rather than explore whether this is the best route for prospective parents, which would be best done in the thinker/tryer spaces.
This DCN Chat is to offer a space to talk about experiences. This is not an educational event and rather, is offered as a peer-support opportunity.
Members and non-members
Online
Jun
13
Workshop: Continuing the Conversation
Workshop for parents of donor conceived children aged **10-20 years.**
Do you find the idea of your child connecting with their donor or half-siblings a daunting prospect? Perhaps you’re unsure how to raise the topic with them, or you’d value a safe space to explore what it might mean if – or when – they choose to make contact?
Our new Continuing the Conversation workshop offers just that: a supportive space to think about the future, consider the possible implications, and build confidence in navigating these conversations with your child. It is suitable regardless of whether you used an anonymous, ID release or known donor, although the conversations might be different, of course.
**At this event, you will:**
* Think about the future and what might unfold for you and your child if and when they want to make contact with genetic connections
* Build confidence in having conversations about the donor and genetic relatives.
**The workshop will enable you to:**
* Consider the options available to you and your child – gain an understanding of the options available for accessing information about your donor and your child’s half siblings, whether you had treatment in the UK or overseas
* Share common hopes and fears that parents experience when their child talks about the donor
* Learn about how and when you might raise the topic with your child
* Think through what questions your child might have and what support they might need
* Connect with other parents of donor conceived children
* Be ready for the wide range of feelings your child might have, how they might differ from your own, and how they might change over time.
* Gain knowledge and confidence to support you and your child in decision making.
**Who is it for?**
This workshop is specially designed for parents of donor conceived children aged 10-20 years who have already told their child about being donor conceived. It is suitable for all family types and is equally appropriate whether your treatment took place in the UK or abroad.
**Highlights include:**
* Small group discussions with others to discuss feelings and experiences
* Hear donor conceived people talking about feelings towards genetic connections
* Session with practical tips on starting and continuing the conversation with your child
* Hosted by three extremely experienced facilitators who are parents of donor conceived people
* Session on research findings on donor conceived people connecting with genetic relatives
* Brief overview of ways to find information for future self-investigation.
**What the workshop won’t do:**
* Help you tell for the first time: This workshop is designed for parents who have already told their child about their origins and we therefore do not cover telling your child for the first time. If you have not yet begun that initial conversation, our Telling & Talking pages have information you may find helpful to get started.
* Provide detailed information on ways to find genetic relatives: we will tell you the essentials of what is possible but this workshop is not a how-to guide on connecting with genetic relatives.
* Tell you *why* you should look for genetic connections: We are not offering this programme to encourage you to connect with the donor – that is always a decision for you and your family. Rather, we want to help you think about the implications for your child and for yourself if and when they seek to make contact.
Some quotes from attendees:
*”It was the right approach and level of info. Informal, with structure – not stuffy!”*
*”It was really good to be able to take some space to listen to views, hear information and be prodded to think about things that inevitably just become part of the background of wider family life.”*
This workshop has been made possible by funding from the European Sperm Bank and the Young Adults Study and we are enormously grateful for their support. We also allocated the money we raised from our 2025 Appeal towards this project, including the match funding from the London Sperm Bank. Thanks go to all our donors and members for contributing and enabling us to support our community in continuing important family conversations.
Member event
In person
Jun
13
*New group*: North/Central London young families’ group (children born 2023 onwards)
Come and join the other members of the new North/Central London famlies’ group for meetups in Primrose Hill every month. The group is aiming to grow the community of children who are growing up with other DC children in their social world.
Dates for the coming year:
July 11th
August 8th
September 12th
October 10th
November 14th
December 12th
Member event
In person
Jun
13
Bromley DCN meetup
Join the Bromley group for its next meetup on:
Saturday 13 June
3-5pm
Kelsey Park, Beckenham BR3 6QH
Member event
In person
Jun
14
West London meetup
Come along to join the next meetup for members in West London
on Sunday 14th June at Ravenscourt Park.
Members in all family circumstances are warmly welcome as well thinkers & triers!
Local group coordinator, Chloe, solo mom of 2 year old Lily, will be there to welcome you and the families will have a chance to meet.
Member event
In person
Jun
14
Berkshire- Solo mums – Windsor way group
Windsor solo mum group are inviting solo mums (and mums-to-be) from across the county, to join their next events.
8 Mar 2026 11-2pm – South Hill Park Bracknell
14 Jun 2026 – California Park Wokingham
13 Sep 2026 – TBC
29 Nov 2026 – TBC
Times and locations if not listed are tbc but usually South Hill Park Bracknell, California Park Wokingham, Lammas Park Staines or Windsor Great Park, with a hall in the winter (Windsor usually). Anyone free to email me for further info at dcnwindsorway@gmail.com.
Member event
In person
Jun
14
Kent – Summer picnic
Join the Kent group for their next in person meetup at Mote park.
Hope to see you there – all welcome, at any stage!!!
Further details to be added closer to date.
Member event
Online
Jun
15
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Jun
15
Miscarriage or other significant challenges during treatment with donor gametes
This DCN chat specifically for members who have experienced miscarriage following donor conception or have come up against other significant challenges which have resulted in multiple failed DC attempts.
In recognition of the particularly sensitive nature of this topic, the chat/group will be facilitated by Julie, one of our DCN Professional Members, who is a counsellor experienced in working with fertility issues and donor conception. However, like other DCN chats, it is intended to offer an opportunity to share experiences, feelings and challenges with a view to creating a mutually supportive space.
Member event
Online
Jun
16
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.
Member event
Online
Jun
16
Solo parents to children in primary school (approximately 6-12 years old)
This is a DCN chat for solo mums or dads with children at primary school ages.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Laura, solo mum to two grown up children. 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 enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Member event
Online
Jun
17
Solo parents to children aged 5 and under
This is a DCN chat for solo mums and dads who have children ages 5 and under.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Adrienne, solo mum to a child born 2017. 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 enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Member event
In person
Jun
26
South coast / Solent Solos- Solo parents group
This group is for solo parents in the South coast area of the UK (including Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex).
Join the Solent Solos to go camping!
Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June – Camping at Lepe Beach Campsite
Member event
Online
Jun
30
Parents with children ages 13 – 18 Couples (heterosexual and same-sex)
You are invited to join us for a conversation for parents to children children ages approx. 13-18 or approximately. Members in same-sex couples and heterosexual couples are particularly invited. This is a place of peer support, whatever stage you are at of ‘telling’, you are very welcome to join the conversation and benefit from the experience and connections on offer.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Sarah, mum to adult twins, conceived with 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.
Member event
In person
Jul
3
Yorkshire – Camping trip
Invitation from the event organiser:
The Yorkshire branch of the DCN are coming together for a camping w/e for 2 nights – on Friday 3nd July, at Masons Campsite, Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire Dales.
There are many regular attenders as we’ve been coming together for our camping w/e for many years now but we really welcome new members. It’s a lovely campsite by the river with lots of space so bikes, swimming togs and wetsuits all welcome. Families with children young and older are warmly invited.
Member event
In person
Jul
11
*New group*: North/Central London young families’ group (children born 2023 onwards)
Come and join the other members of the new North/Central London famlies’ group for meetups in Primrose Hill every month. The group is aiming to grow the community of children who are growing up with other DC children in their social world.
Dates for the coming year:
July 11th
August 8th
September 12th
October 10th
November 14th
December 12th
Member event
In person
Jul
12
North West England – Solo mums’ group meetup
The North West solo mums’ group is up and running again and looking forward to welcoming members from across the region.
Solo mums or mums-to-be are invited to all activities
Jenny and Kate will be there to welcome you to join their in person meetups for support and community.
The meet ups planned for 2026:
19th April- Walton Hall gardens Warrington or Wigan Haigh hall
12th July – Calderstones park/Warrington
11th October – Knutsford/Chester/Delemere
Exact location will be decided on approximately 4 weeks before the event, when they have an idea of who is coming and ensuring sufficient numbners to run meetups.
Member event
Online
Jul
15
Single women – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parent
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
Member event
Online
Jul
20
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Jul
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.
Member event
In person
Aug
8
*New group*: North/Central London young families’ group (children born 2023 onwards)
Come and join the other members of the new North/Central London famlies’ group for meetups in Primrose Hill every month. The group is aiming to grow the community of children who are growing up with other DC children in their social world.
Dates for the coming year:
July 11th
August 8th
September 12th
October 10th
November 14th
December 12th
Member event
Online
Aug
12
Half sibling discussion
This DCN Chat is aimed at discussing the pros and cons of taking steps to identify genetic siblings. We will offer a space to deliberate about the merits and pitfalls of this and what possible implications doing so/or not do so might have on you and your child. The chat will be facilitated by Adrienne, who is a solo mum with a child born in 2020. This forum is for discussing the topic, rather than a ‘how to’.
** Becuase of the nature of the conversation we ask that participants are particularly careful not to share identifying details of their donor.
Member event
Online
Aug
17
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Aug
18
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.
Member event
Online
Aug
19
Solo parents to children aged 5 and under
This is a DCN chat for solo mums and dads who have children ages 5 and under.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Adrienne, solo mum to a child born 2017. 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 enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Member event
Online
Aug
26
Single women – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parent
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
Member event
In person
Sep
12
*New group*: North/Central London young families’ group (children born 2023 onwards)
Come and join the other members of the new North/Central London famlies’ group for meetups in Primrose Hill every month. The group is aiming to grow the community of children who are growing up with other DC children in their social world.
Dates for the coming year:
July 11th
August 8th
September 12th
October 10th
November 14th
December 12th
Member event
Online
Sep
15
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.
Member event
Online
Sep
21
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Oct
7
Single women – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parent
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
Member event
In person
Oct
10
*New group*: North/Central London young families’ group (children born 2023 onwards)
Come and join the other members of the new North/Central London famlies’ group for meetups in Primrose Hill every month. The group is aiming to grow the community of children who are growing up with other DC children in their social world.
Dates for the coming year:
July 11th
August 8th
September 12th
October 10th
November 14th
December 12th
Member event
In person
Oct
11
North West England – Solo mums’ group meetup
The North West solo mums’ group is up and running again and looking forward to welcoming members from across the region.
Solo mums or mums-to-be are invited to all activities
Jenny and Kate will be there to welcome you to join their in person meetups for support and community.
The meet ups planned for 2026:
19th April- Walton Hall gardens Warrington or Wigan Haigh hall
12th July – Calderstones park/Warrington
11th October – Knutsford/Chester/Delemere
Exact location will be decided on approximately 4 weeks before the event, when they have an idea of who is coming and ensuring sufficient numbners to run meetups.
Member event
Online
Oct
14
Half sibling discussion
This DCN Chat is aimed at discussing the pros and cons of taking steps to identify genetic siblings. We will offer a space to deliberate about the merits and pitfalls of this and what possible implications doing so/or not do so might have on you and your child. The chat will be facilitated by Adrienne, who is a solo mum with a child born in 2020. This forum is for discussing the topic, rather than a ‘how to’.
** Becuase of the nature of the conversation we ask that participants are particularly careful not to share identifying details of their donor.
Members and non-members
Online
Oct
17
Workshop: Telling & Talking (solo mum and two-mum families)
This workshop is for parents of donor-conceived children aged 0-7 years.
Not sure how to begin a conversation with your child about their donor conception story? Maybe you’re unsure about whether telling is the right thing to do? Or perhaps you’re concerned about who to tell and not tell in your life? Our Telling & Talking workshop is designed specifically with your needs and questions in mind. It provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore the benefits of telling and how to get started.
This workshop is 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.
Member event
Online
Oct
19
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Oct
20
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.
Member event
Online
Oct
21
Solo parents to children aged 5 and under
This is a DCN chat for solo mums and dads who have children ages 5 and under.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Adrienne, solo mum to a child born 2017. 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 enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Member event
In person
Nov
14
*New group*: North/Central London young families’ group (children born 2023 onwards)
Come and join the other members of the new North/Central London famlies’ group for meetups in Primrose Hill every month. The group is aiming to grow the community of children who are growing up with other DC children in their social world.
Dates for the coming year:
July 11th
August 8th
September 12th
October 10th
November 14th
December 12th
Member event
Online
Nov
16
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Nov
17
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.
Member event
Online
Nov
18
Single women – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parent
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
Members and non-members
In person
Nov
21
Getting Started
Event for prospective parents thinking about using egg, sperm or embryo donation.
If you’re thinking about using donor conception, you probably 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 a really informative overview of the medical side of things. We always get fantastic feedback about this session, which provides an essential foundation with lots of time for questions.
* __Donor conceived people__ talking about their experiences. How do the children feel? We know this is something lots of prospective parents wonder about. This event provides a rare opportunity to hear from them in person and ask questions. Not to be missed!
* __Parents__ talking through their decision-making and describing family life once children arrive. Nothing beats hearing from people with real life experience.
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 £80 per person or £140 per couple when booked before 22 October (£95 and £170 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 as a charity working with donor conception families for the past 30+ years.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲?
You can find the full programme with timings below.
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 bring some lunch 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 on dedicated tables by family and donation type. Sharing time with others on a similar journey to yourself can be incredibly valuable.
Member event
Online
Dec
9
Half sibling discussion
This DCN Chat is aimed at discussing the pros and cons of taking steps to identify genetic siblings. We will offer a space to deliberate about the merits and pitfalls of this and what possible implications doing so/or not do so might have on you and your child. The chat will be facilitated by Adrienne, who is a solo mum with a child born in 2020. This forum is for discussing the topic, rather than a ‘how to’.
** Becuase of the nature of the conversation we ask that participants are particularly careful not to share identifying details of their donor.
Member event
In person
Dec
12
*New group*: North/Central London young families’ group (children born 2023 onwards)
Come and join the other members of the new North/Central London famlies’ group for meetups in Primrose Hill every month. The group is aiming to grow the community of children who are growing up with other DC children in their social world.
Dates for the coming year:
July 11th
August 8th
September 12th
October 10th
November 14th
December 12th
Member event
Online
Dec
14
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Dec
15
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.
Member event
Online
Dec
16
Solo parents to children aged 5 and under
This is a DCN chat for solo mums and dads who have children ages 5 and under.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Adrienne, solo mum to a child born 2017. 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 enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Member event
Online
Dec
30
Single women – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parent
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
Member event
Online
Jan
18
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Jan
19
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.
Member event
Online
Feb
10
Single women – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parent
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
Member event
Online
Feb
10
Half sibling discussion
This DCN Chat is aimed at discussing the pros and cons of taking steps to identify genetic siblings. We will offer a space to deliberate about the merits and pitfalls of this and what possible implications doing so/or not do so might have on you and your child. The chat will be facilitated by Adrienne, who is a solo mum with a child born in 2020. This forum is for discussing the topic, rather than a ‘how to’.
** Becuase of the nature of the conversation we ask that participants are particularly careful not to share identifying details of their donor.
Member event
Online
Feb
15
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Feb
16
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.
Member event
Online
Feb
17
Solo parents to children aged 5 and under
This is a DCN chat for solo mums and dads who have children ages 5 and under.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Adrienne, solo mum to a child born 2017. 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 enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Member event
Online
Mar
15
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Mar
16
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.
Member event
Online
Mar
24
Single women – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parent
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
Member event
Online
Apr
14
Half sibling discussion
This DCN Chat is aimed at discussing the pros and cons of taking steps to identify genetic siblings. We will offer a space to deliberate about the merits and pitfalls of this and what possible implications doing so/or not do so might have on you and your child. The chat will be facilitated by Adrienne, who is a solo mum with a child born in 2020. This forum is for discussing the topic, rather than a ‘how to’.
** Becuase of the nature of the conversation we ask that participants are particularly careful not to share identifying details of their donor.
Member event
Online
Apr
19
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
Apr
20
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.
Member event
Online
Apr
21
Solo parents to children aged 5 and under
This is a DCN chat for solo mums and dads who have children ages 5 and under.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Adrienne, solo mum to a child born 2017. 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 enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Member event
Online
May
5
Single women – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parent
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
Member event
Online
May
17
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Member event
Online
May
18
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.
Member event
Online
Jun
9
Half sibling discussion
This DCN Chat is aimed at discussing the pros and cons of taking steps to identify genetic siblings. We will offer a space to deliberate about the merits and pitfalls of this and what possible implications doing so/or not do so might have on you and your child. The chat will be facilitated by Adrienne, who is a solo mum with a child born in 2020. This forum is for discussing the topic, rather than a ‘how to’.
** Becuase of the nature of the conversation we ask that participants are particularly careful not to share identifying details of their donor.
Member event
Online
Jun
15
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.
Member event
Online
Jun
16
Solo parents to children aged 5 and under
This is a DCN chat for solo mums and dads who have children ages 5 and under.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Adrienne, solo mum to a child born 2017. 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 enquiries@dcnetwork.org
Member event
Online
Jun
16
Single women – Double or embryo donation – Prospective parent
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
Member event
Online
Jun
21
Single women – Sperm donation – Prospective parent
This is a DCN chat for single women considering or in treatment to become solo mums. This chat is open for those using sperm donation or considering double donation and offers a space for discussion and peer support.
This chat will be facilitated by Anna. Anna is a solo mum in the Network who kindly volunteers to support others.
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
Start your journey with us today
Join our community of 2000+ donor conception families and prospective families and find support, information and community.
