Registering and logging in

To take part in our discussion forum you will first need to register with our website and create a user account. It is not necessary to have an account to view content from the forum, however you will need one if you want to reply to posts or send a message to other forum users.

When you register on the website you are agreeing to accept the forum terms and conditions including the requirement that you must be over 18 years of age.

1. Creating a user account

To sign up for a user account go to the registration form or click the Register link on the forum homepage.

Fill in your details and submit.

About the registration form:

• First name and last name: this will not be not displayed on the forum, and is used for contact purposes only.
  
• Email address: this must be a valid and current address.
  
• Password: this is case sensitive.
  
• Username: this name will be displayed alongside any forum messages you post.
  
• Allow forum users to message me privately: check this box if you are happy for members to send you messages via the forum. These will be sent to the email address you use at registration. If you don't wish to be contacted ensure the box is not checked. About sending messages
  
• Terms and conditions and terms of use: you must agree to these to use the forum.

You will be sent a confirmation email once the form has successfully been submitted. This contains a reminder of your username and password.

2. Logging in and out of the forum

Logging in

To log in to the forum, type your username and password in the boxes at the top of the forum homepage and click the Log In button. 

When you are successfully logged in you will see your username displayed at the top of the page.

Incorrect login details

If your username or password are not entered correctly the following message will be displayed: 'Your login details were incorrect'.  

If this occurs:

• Try entering your details again. Remember that your password is case sensitive and check you don't have the CAPS lock on.
  
• Check your original registration email which contains confirmation of your username and password. See the next section if you have forgotten your password.
  
  

Logging off

When you have finished using the forum, select the Log Off button which is visible on all pages of the forum.

Note that you may be logged out automatically if there is no activity from your account over a long period.

3. If you have forgotten your password

• Click the Forgotten password? link in the login area to request a new password. Enter your email address in the form provided and ensure the Forgotten password? box is checked. A new password will be emailed to you.
  
• Then go to the My account  page and enter your email address and the new password you have been sent.
  
• You will now be able to view all account details including your forum username. You may want to choose another password at this time.
  
• Once you have confirmed your details you can return to the forum and log in.

4. Updating your account details

To update your account details or change your messaging preferences when you are already logged into the forum:

• Click on the My Account link on the left of the screen to view all your details.
  
• You can now change your settings and submit. Note your forum username  can not be changed.

To update your account details or change your messaging preferences when you are NOT logged into the forum:

• go to the My account page and enter your email address and password to view all your details
  
• you can now change your settings and submit. Note your forum username  can not be changed

Return to the forum

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