This page runs through:

1. A Quick overview of why you'd want to get an account
2. how to get an account on the site.
3. How to find out about using your account

Why do I want to register?

First, have you read through our starter information and you're sure cohousing is the right kind of intentional community for you? If so, then you may want to register with our website.

Registering on the UK Cohousing Website means the following:

• You will be able to view the profiles of other members of the site and contact them
• When you register, you will have the option of appearing on a 'people-map': you will be able to find individuals near you and get in touch with them about setting up a new cohousing group. (Don't worry: the location is very approximate, so no-one will be able to tell where you live!)
• You'll be able to subscribe to tags and content, so that if (for example) there's more news, or you're particularly interested in knowing when there's something new in the marketplace, you'll be e-mailed.
• If you are registered, some articles will have the option of adding comments. The UK Cohousing Network may even ask you to contribute to these from time to time.
• If you're starting a new developing group yourself, you'll be able to affiliate to this site, have your own page - e.g. www.cohousing.org.uk/lancastercohousing - and contribute your own news. (Equally, we're happy to update your group for you if you're not comfortable with the technology.)
• If you're registered, from time to time we will send any important updates. We predict this won't be more than two or three times a year.

How to register

1. Click 'create new account' on the left, once you've read these instructions.
2. Fill in the form. Full instructions will be on-screen, but here's an outline:
• Choose a username and password, and give us your e-mail. Other users won't be able to see this: they'll contact you via your online form, if you want to be contactable.
• In the 'about me' section, we only need to know three things: the town / city / village where you live, whether you want to be on the people-map, and a sentence or two about what motivates you to join the site and what you're looking for. That's it.
3. Wait for administrator approval. Once you have this, you can log in and use the site. When you log in, you'll see a link on the left to 'my account'. Go there, and look for the 'help' link at the top of your account page for full instructions on using your account and changing your settings.

Guidelines for using the site

We hope it goes without saying, but if you're contacting other users via this site's contact forms, please be polite, courteous and respectful. If you receive anything from other site members that doesn't fit this description, or any other contact you're unhappy with, please contact us, including the offending communication if possible, and the name of the user that sent it. We will ban anyone who abuses this website or its members.