Donor Conception Network Workshops
Preparation for DC Parenthood Workshops
Following four successful pilot Preparation for DC Parenthood workshops in 2008/09 and our 2009-2011 workshops, we are now delighted to offer our 2011/12 programme.
Who are they for?
These workshops are for those who have NOT conceived yet.
The workshops are for couples (heterosexual or lesbian) or single women who are contemplating egg, sperm or embryo donation as a way of building or adding to a family and those who are currently having treatment. The workshops are appropriate for those having treatment in the UK or abroad. They are not appropriate for those who have already conceived. If you are part of a couple we strongly recommend that you both attend. If single, you can attend alone or you could bring a family member or friend. We will be booking no more than 18 people onto each workshop.
Everyone is welcome at the mixed workshops. However, experience in our pilot study has shown that single women and lesbians sometimes prefer and appreciate separate provision. We recognise that the needs of these two groups are not exactly the same, but we believe they are sufficiently different from the needs of heterosexual couples to share the specialist workshops we have added.
What are they about?
The workshops are an opportunity to gain information, hear from parents of donor conceived children and via film, the children and young people themselves, and to share experiences and stories with others contemplating family creation via donor conception.
You will hear from and be able to discuss issues important to you with experienced and qualified speakers on the clinical and psycho-social aspects of donor conception treatment and subsequent family raising. You will see two professionally made films featuring parents, children and young people in DC families talking about their thoughts, feelings and experiences. And via formal and informal small groups and sharing an evening meal together, you will have a chance to break the isolation felt by many couples and individuals contemplating donor conception.
Where and when are they, how much do they cost and what’s included?
The workshops are held over a weekend in either London or Manchester. They run from 11am-6pm on the Saturday, with a break until 7.30 when, as an integral part of the workshop, participants and facilitators have dinner together.. On Sunday the workshop restarts at 9.30 and runs through to 2pm including a sandwich lunch at the end. All meals and refreshments are included in the price. Overnight accommodation can be booked at or near the workshop venue if required.
These workshops are currently subsidised by a grant from the Department of Health which enables us to run them at a very reduced price. They cost £120 per person, of £90 if you book more than 4 weeks in advance. If you require a concessionary rate, please get in contact. Cancellations received with 4 weeks notice will be refunded in full. Cancellations received with 2-4 weeks notice will be refunded at 50%. Cancellations received with 2 weeks notice or less will not be refunded.
What Next? How do I book?
Choose a workshop from the schedule below. Then print a PDF of the Booking Form and send it back to us with a cheque. If you do not have a printer, please email or phone us with your address and we will send a booking form by post.
Following confirmation of your booking (by email If you provide one) and about a week prior to the workshop we will ask you to complete a short survey, either online or on paper if you do not have access to email. This is a requirement of your attendance. We will repeat this survey about a week after the workshop has taken place and then again in three months time. Anonymised evaluations from these workshops may contribute to future government policy.
Location |
Date |
Type |
Spaces |
| London | SAT/SUN 25/26th February 2012 | Single women and lesbians | Available |
| London | SAT/SUN 10/11th March 2012 | Heterosexual couples | Available |
| London | SAT/SUN 12/13th May 2012 | Heterosexual couples | Available |
Download a booking form (PDF)
All bookings will be confirmed BY EMAIL and full details of venue and workshop will be supplied.
More questions?
Just contact us by email and we will be happy to help.
