Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does it work?

An email to your Scoutmail address is automatically forwarded to a nominated account, making it easy to find people without knowing which account email address they are currently using.

You can also change where your Scoutmail emails are forwarded to via the control panel when you log in.

Do I have to have another email account, or can I just use Scoutmail?

You do need an email account elsewhere. Sadly the POP service, which allowed you to use the Scoutmail address as your one and only account, is no longer available.

Who can have an account?

ANY member of scouting in Lancashire can have a Scoutmail address. That's everyone from any section including leaders. If you are under 16 you should have your parent's permission.

Although the service is provided and funded by West Lancashire, it originally was set up for use by both counties. In the spirit of scouting this continues...

Can I change where my email address goes?

Yes, log in and change away. Bear in mind it may take a few minutes to update, so give it a while before you test it.

Why do you ask for my age / date of birth?

Scoutmail operates a directory system so that it is easy to find other members of East or West Lancashire. To be in the directory you need to be over 18. Adults (18+) can also opt out of the directory by ticking the relevant box in the user details area.

As with all information held by Scoutmail it is treated in confidence. For more information see the privacy policy.

I have forgotten my password, HELP!

There is a password reminder tool, which will send your password to the current nominated email address.

Why am I asked for a password for the directory? And what is it!?!

The directory is controlled in the same way other information on the West Lancashire sites. It uses the standard username and password used elsewhere.

Ok so I want to get into this email thing, but I don't currently have an email account. How can I get started?

As we can only provide a forwarding service you must get an email account elsewhere. Probably the best places to start are...

Home Internet Service Provider (ISP) - Most ISPs give you an email address for free with either your dial up account or broadband package, e.g. joe.bloggs@btinternet.com .You can use that, check with your ISP if you haven't already set one up.

Work / College etc - if you have an email address at work or college you can use that as far as we are concerned, but particularly with work emails there may be policies and guidelines that either mean you are not allowed or the email will be filtered out. Check with your IT department or manager first!!!

Free Web Based Email - These are the best options for people on the move. Yahoo, hotmail GMail are available around the world, and can be accessed via a web page, just like you are looking at this. Go to www.yahoo.co.uk, www.hotmail.com to sign up.

When you have an email address from the above you can sign up with that address as your forward. E.g. joe.bloggs@scoutmail.org.uk will go to joe.bloggs@btinternet.com If you change address etc, all you need to do is update the destination address and therefore joe.bloggs@scoutmail.org.uk will always work!

Can I change my reply to address in Outlook (or any other email program) to be my Scoutmail address?

Yes, this will mean when people hit reply they will go to your Scoutmail address. Even some web based email tools (e.g. GMail) will allow you to do this as well. Use the help in the program to aid you, search for Reply To Address.

Can I use Scoutmail for none scouting stuff?

Yes, but it must be legal. Remember, to people outside scouting, they may see you as an Ambassador of Scouting! So keep within the spirit of scouting.