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
Oct
27
**New date**: North London meetup – General
You are invited to join North London members for an evening of chat and getting to know each other.
Volunteers, Albyn and Dominic,both parents to donor conceived children and long term volunteers with the Network, will be there to welcome you. The group offers an opportunity for friendly and thoughtful discssion and meeting with other members who are based locallly.All are warmly invited – whatever your circumstances and whatever stage of donor conception you are at.
Watch the video (attached here) for a bit of a taster of what this meeting can offer.
This is a meeting for adults only; please do not attend with children. If you would like to bring a babe in arms, please get in touch first to let us know.
We have a private room secured for this event, so please do come join us – the meetup is social and we also allocate time for discussion on issues relating to donor conception that people wish to share.
Member event
Online
Nov
2
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
In person
Nov
8
East London – local group meetup
You are invited to the Winter meetup for the general group in East London . Members at any stage welcome – thinkers, tryers and parents with kids.
We will be meeting at Jo’s house Bring your own picnic lunch and something to share with everyone else, savoury as well as sweet welcome (buffet style). Teas, coffees & biscuits provided!
Look forward to seeing you in person,
Jo
Member event
Online
Nov
11
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 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 topic.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This DCN Chat will be hosted by Mariam and/or Ruihua. All our DCN Chat facilitators are members themselves, and hosting the chat as individuals, there to contribute from their personal perspective and to ensure the group runs to its best possible potential. 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
Member event
In person
Nov
14
North/Central London young families’ group (children born 2023-2026)
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 together with other donor conceived children .
Dates for the coming year:
September 12th
October 10th
November 14th
December 12th
Member event
In person
Nov
15
**New date**: Surrey/SW London Walk & Talk – General
You are invited to join a Walk & Talk meetup, for members in South West London/ Surrey.
Jane (who recently spoke at our online conference) and her adult daughter will be hosting a walk, chat, coffee.
You are invited to meet for the walk at 11.30 in Warren Farm, which leads into Nonsuch Park and then Cheam Park – about 2 miles.
There is a nice playground in Cheam Park, and next to it table tennis, tennis, adult outdoor gym and cafe – so that people can join the walk from the start (around 2 miles) or meet at a later point at the cafe/playground etc if prefer…
The cafe has quite a wide range of food, so people could get a basic lunch there if they want. See link for menu.
Welcome
If the weather is bad, then the group can meet at the cafe.
Member event
In person
Nov
15
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).
To sign up and to find out more information please contact Victoria, group coordinator, by emailing dcn.southcoast@gmail.com
[Do not make the booking here]
Member event
Online
Nov
16
Deciding between treatment in the UK and abroad
This DCN Chat is aimed at prospective parents (solo or couple) who are navigating the decision between UK clinics and clinics outside the UK. The space is being offered as an opportunity to talk with each other about the options you are considering, share experiences and gain support from people in similar situations.
The chat will be facilitated by Gemma, mum to one child through embryo donation. Gemma has explored options across both contexts, and is there to facilitate the conversation. She will not be able to provide advice, including legal advice on the differences between the contexts.
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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
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 who is a solo mum, to a child born in 2017, conceived with embryo donation in Spain.
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
In person
Nov
23
Dorset – Family meet up
Join the Dorset members’ meetup on Sunday 23rd November – time and location to be confirmed.
Members in all family circumstances, at any stage, are invited. DCN’s local meetup coordinator, Lisa, will be there to welcome you!
Member event
Online
Nov
23
‘Reflections’ – Parents of 18+ donor conceived adults
You are invited to join the group for parents of donor conceived adults. This group will be facilitated by Jane, one of our longterm members who also works with DCN.
Parents of adult children can join this group discussion.
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. PLEASE only sign up if that is your situation. – this Chat is restricted.
Member event
Online
Nov
23
Solo mums or dads considering extending their family
This DCN Chat is being offered as an opportuni for solo parents to talk through the considerations and challenges relating to growing your family. This Chat was set up by request of a group of solo mums who wish to talk this topic through. Any solo parent who is considering this possibility is very welcome to join.
The Chat will be facilitated by Lesley, solo mum to two children and DCN volunteer.
Member event
Online
Nov
24
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 Stefanie, solo mum to one child. All our DCN Chat facilitators are members themselves, and hosting the chat as individuals. This is not a professionally led or educational event.
This Chat will be running every 6-8 weeks.
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
25
Anonymous donation – for parents who used anonymous donation to have their children
This DCN Chat is aimed at discussing anonymous donation and how that is experienced for parents trhough anonymous donation. 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.
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.
Member event
In person
Nov
29
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.
13 Sep 2026 11am-2pm South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell RH12 7PA
29 Nov 2026 11am-2pm 6th Staines Scout Group, Burges Way, Staines-upon-Thames TW18 1YA
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
Online
Dec
2
The Big Question: Shared Donor, Shared Family? Research into genetic half-siblings
We’re delighted to announce our next Big Question webinar, a series where we explore a topical question with experts in the field.
For our next Big Question we wanted to tackle the issue of half-sibling connections. We know this is a topic that many parents are grappling with. They are looking to understand more about the experiences of families and donor conceived people (DCPs) who are making these connections. They want to hear more about how and when these connections are being made and understand how DCPs view these relationships.
To help us explore the topic, we’ve invited Astrid Indekeu to present a summary of the research we have so far and what her experience of supporting families has shown.
Astrid has been working for nearly 20 years in the field of donor conception as a researcher, clinical psychologist and policy advisor. She is, amongst other things, founder of and practitioner in DONAE, a support and expertise centre for families after donor conception.
As a clinical psychologist and researcher, she puts a strong emphasis on transferring research results on families by donor conception to daily practice and policy. Her work spans the experiences of intended parents, parents, donor conceived people and donors on covering topics such as parenthood after donor conception, contact between donor conceived people, donors and half-siblings, the number of offspring per donor, age limits to access donor information, and insemination fraud. She has been working and co-operating with various international colleagues including in Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, United Kingdom, Finland, Japan, Canada and New Zealand.
More recently, she has been leading our teen group at the DCN London conference.
This Big Question conversation will explore themes such as:
* DCP’s motivations for seeking half sibling connections
* What meaning do they assign to these relationships?
* How attitudes towards half-siblings have changed over time
* What are the experiences as these connections develop and what are the challenges that they hold
You can join in the conversation too. We’ll be open to written comments, reflections and questions from members, either when you register or live during the event.
We’ll be recording the conversation and will put the video in the members’ area on the website shortly after the webinar. Anyone registered will get notified when the recording is available and all members will be able to watch the webinar on the website once it’s live.
Member event
Online
Dec
8
Solo parents – 2026 babies born or expected this year
This is a DCN chat for solo mums or solo dads with babies born or expected in 2026 or 2027.
DCN Chat is a peer support online get-together. This event will be facilitated by solo mum to two and DCN volunteer, Siska.
Join us for a supportive space to talk to others in similar situations. This is not a professionally led or educational event.
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
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’.
** Because 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
North/Central London young families’ group (children born 2023-2026)
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 together with other donor conceived children .
Dates for the coming year:
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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
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 who is a solo mum, to a child born in 2017, conceived with embryo donation in Spain.
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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
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 who is a solo mum, to a child born in 2017, conceived with embryo donation in Spain.
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’.
** Because 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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
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
Members and non-members
Online
Mar
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
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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
Members and non-members
In person
Mar
20
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 20th February (£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 to eat of course but we hope you’ll stay with us during the lunch 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
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 who is a solo mum, to a child born in 2017, conceived with embryo donation in Spain.
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’.
** Because 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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
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 who is a solo mum, to a child born in 2017, conceived with embryo donation in Spain.
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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
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’.
** Because 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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
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 who is a solo mum, to a child born in 2017, conceived with embryo donation in Spain.
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
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
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
Jul
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
Jul
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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
Member event
Online
Jul
28
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 who is a solo mum, to a child born in 2017, conceived with embryo donation in Spain.
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
Aug
11
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’.
** Because 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
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
Aug
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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
Member event
Online
Aug
18
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
Sep
8
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 who is a solo mum, to a child born in 2017, conceived with embryo donation in Spain.
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
Sep
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
Sep
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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
Members and non-members
Online
Sep
25
Workshop: Continuing the Conversation
NEW 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.
**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 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
Online
Oct
13
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’.
** Because of the nature of the conversation we ask that participants are particularly careful not to share identifying details of their donor.
Member event
Online
Oct
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
Oct
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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
Member event
Online
Oct
20
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 who is a solo mum, to a child born in 2017, conceived with embryo donation in Spain.
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
Oct
20
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
Nov
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
Nov
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, a solo mum to a boy and girl twins 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.
They say it takes a village to raise a child
For donor conception families, this can feel especially true as you navigate the unique questions and challenges this route to parenthood can bring. Connecting with others who share your experience can provide support, guidance, and hope.
Our friendly community is built through a membership subscription, which allows us – thanks to our network of volunteers – to offer tailored support for families at every stage.