Here are the instructions on how to join Interest Groups Online (abbreviated as IGO). This process is done via the Beacon Members' Portal, which can be accessed via the link below. 

For existing members the membership fee is:

To join IGO and make your payment, use the button below:

After pressing the grey button, Beacon will open in a new window. You will see a screen with a black notice box pop up.

Click OK and then you will go through to the IGO application form.

Now select either 'With u3a matters magazine' or 'Without u3a matters magazine'. u3a matters is the u3a magazine, which you can receive for free as part of your membership to IGO. This option is not available for those living outside the UK.

You will then need to fill in your personal information. Look carefully for 'required' spaces and make sure these are filled in.

Please do not use capital letters in your email address, as this can cause issues in the sign-up process. 

If you do not have a UK postcode, please use ZE1 1ZZ.

You submit this form by clicking Continue to payment options. 

Then click on Continue to PayPal to complete payment. 

You are then presented with two payment options: Paypal or credit/debit card.

If you have a PayPal account and you are happy to use it to pay for your IGO membership (otherwise continue here):

Select Log in to your PayPal account and pay for your membership. Look out for your receipt arriving and your welcome email which will give you instructions on how to log in for the first time (please see below).

If you do not have a PayPal account or you do not want to use it to pay for your IGO membership:

Fill in your card details and then click 'Pay £12'

Look out for your receipt arriving and your welcome email which will give you instructions on how to log in for the first time (please see below).

If you have any questions, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On completion of your payment, you should receive two emails: (1) an email from PayPal confirming your payment, and (2) an email confirming your Interest Groups Online membership. See below if you have not received these emails.

You should save the second email! It contains the following important information about your membership number:

Follow the instructions in your email: now sign in via the Beacon Members Portal. Select Register for a Membership Account. Enter the information exactly as in your email. 

When done, click on Confirm identity.

Follow the instructions:

This completes your IGO membership registration process. You can now log on to the Beacon Members Portal and join one or more IGO groups. For help with that see Help with Beacon Members Portal.

If you have any questions, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you have not received the two emails

On completion of your payment, you should receive two emails. One is from PayPal confirming your payment. The second one is from IGO confirming your new / renewed membership. If you have not received them, then:

• Check your spam folder, maybe they ended up there.
• If you have received an email from PayPal but not from IGO, please forward this email to IGO, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. On completion of your payment, PayPal notifies IGO about your payment. IGO then issues an email informing you about your new / renewed membership. On rare occasions, this email does not get through. Sending your PayPal payment confirmation to IGO starts the manual process.

Last updated 27 August 2026.