Donor Conception Network - Workshops

telling & talking Workshops | Telling & Talking workshop schedule

TELLING AND TALKING WORKSHOPS

The DC Network is running 'Telling and Talking' workshops around the UK for parents of donor conceived children.

One couple's experience of the first workshop
"A huge thank you for Saturday's workshop in Oxford. It was immensely useful and so good to feel able to talk about things in a safe environment. Both Jim and I feel more confident now in starting the telling process to our boys. More than anything it was brilliant to have the time to focus on the issues and actually think things through. What a lovely bunch of people too, so nice to know we are not alone."
Jim and Sarah

Who are they for?

The workshops are for parents of donor conceived children (or those in a well-established pregnancy). There are separate workshops for those with children aged 0-7yrs and children aged 8-14yrs. The workshops will only be relevant for parents with children in each age group. They are aimed at those who have not yet started to tell their children about how they came into the family as well as those who have begun the story and would like further guidance and support.

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 20 people onto each workshop.

What are they about?

The workshops will explore all the issues around telling children about their conception, including practical help with timing and language. There will be time to share personal experiences, as well as get information and guidance. Sharing information with family, friends and others who may need to know will also be discussed.

How much do they cost and what’s included?

The workshops are subsidised by a grant from the Department of Health but we will be making a nominal charge of £20 per person with a concessionary rate of £5 each. We want the workshops to be accessible to all and are not seeking to make a profit from them. The price includes refreshments, lunch and a pack of materials including a copy of the relevant Telling and Talking booklet. We are not able to provide childcare.

What are the locations, dates and times of the workshops?

The workshops are held on Saturdays to make them accessible to working parents.
They run from 10am to 3:45pm.
For dates and locations go to the Workshop Schedule and Booking Details link at the bottom of this page. Exact locations and details will be provided on booking.

What next? How do I book?

When you have finished reading the information on this page, please go to the Workshop Schedule and Booking Details link below. Choose a workshop from the schedule and check whether there are spaces.

Then print a PDF of the correct 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 we will ask you to complete a short pre-workshop 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.

What about after the workshops?

In addition to the post-workshop survey, you will be eligible to post messages on a dedicated online forum to share your continuing experience of conversations with your children and others and any issues that may come up. The workshop facilitators will also contribute to this forum and be available to respond to questions.

What if we haven’t conceived yet?

If you are thinking about starting a family using a donor we will be running Preparing Yourself workshops later in the year. If you’re interested please contact us to be put on a list.