Melmount Community Forum Groups

Electricity Outtage Ballycolman.

Matter has been reported!

Has people's wellbeing really been reduced to this?

To: Melmount Community Forum
Subject: Concerns Regarding Access to Pain Relief and GP Appointments

Dear Melmount Community Forum,
I am writing as a local resident who has experienced what can only be described as unbearable pain over the past number of days.

The level of pain has been so severe that it has left me feeling desperate, exhausted, and at times feeling as though I would rather cut my limbs off than continue suffering. While this may sound dramatic, it reflects the sheer intensity of the pain and the distress it has caused.

What has made this situation even more difficult is the apparent inability to access either medical advice or adequate pain relief through my local GP practice.

Yesterday, after contacting the surgery, I was advised that pain relief would be available after 2pm. Despite the considerable discomfort involved, I made the journey to the practice only to be informed upon arrival that no pain relief could be issued until I had first been seen by a doctor.

Unfortunately, no appointments were available.

Today, after once again contacting the surgery while still suffering significant pain, I was informed by the receptionist that there were no appointments available and that no pain relief could be prescribed. I was simply told to ring back on Monday.

For someone experiencing severe pain, being repeatedly directed elsewhere, given conflicting information, and ultimately left without treatment is both frustrating and deeply concerning.

It raises serious questions about how individuals who are suffering are expected to cope when they cannot secure a GP appointment and are unable to access even temporary pain management.

I appreciate the pressures currently facing GP services and healthcare staff. However, there must surely be a pathway for patients in genuine distress to receive appropriate assessment, advice, or relief rather than being left to endure severe pain over an entire weekend.

I would be grateful if Melmount Community Forum could raise awareness of these concerns and consider whether this is an issue affecting other residents within our community. No one should feel abandoned when seeking help for severe pain.

Yours faithfully,
A Concerned Local Resident

WHITE RIBBON INFORMATION EVENT.

Wednesday 17th June 2026 10am @ The Hub - Greater Ballycolman Community Centre.

All Welcome...

NOT ACCEPTABLE AT ALL.

There are growing concerns regarding how a local resident, who is known to experience mental health difficulties, is being approached and interacted with by those in positions of authority. Such approaches do nothing for their well-being and says more about the agency making the approach.

Innocent until proven guilty used to mean something now it seems to be more about getting a collar, any collar!

From an outside perspective, some may be forgiven for questioning whether sufficient effort is being made to establish the full facts before action is taken, or whether attention is being focused on the most vulnerable individual involved.

Regardless of the circumstances or blame, the use of verbal abuse, intimidation, or swear words towards any member of the public is completely unacceptable and falls far below the standards of professionalism that residents have a right to expect.

Respect, dignity and fairness should underpin every interaction.

NIHE – What Is Going On?

We believe the time has come for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to explain exactly what is happening within its ranks.

Residents are increasingly asking whether there is an element of "huffing" taking place. Is there an attitude of "if you're not with us, you're against us"? If so, that is neither professional nor acceptable from a statutory body whose purpose is to serve the public.

Our primary role is, and always will be, to represent our residents. We do so with conviction, integrity, and determination. When residents bring genuine concerns to us, we seek genuine answers and genuine action.

Recently, a resident informed us that a representative of another community organisation allegedly stated: "We can't say anything to the Housing Executive because they give us funding."

Let Melmount Community Forum be absolutely clear: if the choice is between securing funding and standing up for our residents, then our residents come first, every single time.

Since continuing to challenge issues on behalf of residents, we have noticed some concerning developments:

• Our annual donation of peat moss for our Community Engagement Garden Project has ceased.
• Communication regarding community issues has virtually stopped.
• Access to senior management, including the CEO, appears impossible.
• Promised actions continue to go undelivered.

Another concern repeatedly raised by residents is the complete absence of any visible patch management presence within our areas.

Many residents cannot recall seeing a Patch Manager within the community since before the COVID pandemic. This raises serious questions if true about how local issues are being identified, monitored, and addressed. I know that there is no current engagement with the community group despite multiple invitations for a Patch Manager to get in touch or call in!

Residents are entitled to ask:

• Who is responsible for monitoring our estates?
• How often are inspections being carried out?
• When was the last time a Patch Manager physically visited the area?
• How can problems be resolved if there is little or no visible presence on the ground?

Community engagement cannot be carried out from behind a desk. Residents deserve to see Housing Executive representatives actively engaging within neighbourhoods, listening to concerns, and ensuring problems are addressed before they escalate.

Examples of ongoing issues include:

• A resident in Linkside was promised three years ago that a hedge infested with rats would be cut back. To date, that has not happened.

• A resident on Townsend Street continues to experience flooding whenever it rains despite concerns being raised repeatedly.

• Numerous other issues remain unresolved despite assurances and commitments being given.

Ignoring residents does not make their problems disappear.

Ignoring community groups that advocate on behalf of residents does not make those concerns disappear either.

We will continue to raise issues until they are addressed. Once our residents' problems are resolved, our represention ends. It really is that simple.

We urge NIHE to do what is right:

✔ Address the outstanding issues.
✔ Deliver on promises made to residents.
✔ Engage openly and honestly with community representatives.
✔ Restore meaningful communication with local groups and residents.
✔ Stop making commitments that fail to materialise.

If support, communication, and engagement have been withdrawn simply because we refuse to stop advocating for residents, then that is deeply disappointing and, in our view, unacceptable.

Our residents deserve better.

. .

📣 Applications for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance for the upcoming academic year are now open!

If you are in receipt of one of the following, you will need to upload a Proof of Benefit letter when applying for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance for the 2026/27 academic year:

➡️ Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
➡️ Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit

You can request a Proof of Benefit letter online: https://t.co/vhcVyDRoi5 (It will take at least five days to be sent to you)

If you receive Universal Credit, you do not need the Proof of Benefit Letter. However, you will need to upload evidence of your Universal Credit entitlement when you apply.

More information on eligibility and supporting documentation can be found at www.eani.org.uk/fsm

STRABANE - SUMMER JAM

Please find important information attached about Summer Jamm, happening this Saturday, 6th June.

Particularly of note.

Traffic Restrictions:
To ensure a safe and fun environment, the following streets will be pedestrianised from 7:00am to 7:00pm:

Abercorn Square Railway Street (From Alley Theatre to Abercorn Square) Castle Street Castle Place

Main Street

Please make alternative arrangements for deliveries during this time.

Stall Holders:

If you have booked a stall set up of these will begin at 10am and you must be fully set up by 11:30am.

If you haven't already done so please ensure you have returned the required paperwork for stall trading prior to the event or you may be unable to trade.

Here's hoping for a brilliant day and plenty of sunshine!

Check out our "MELMOUNT FORUM COMMUNITY APP" and see if there is any support we can offer you.

https://eu.jotform.com/app/251615884029361

North West Locks & Mahon Engineering

Let's look out for each other....

VOLUNTEER SAFETY EQUIPMENT OBSERVERS REQUIRED - STRABANE. (All Ages)......

If out and about and see a missing or vandalised water safety device then please report it.

* DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN HARMS WAY TRYING TO RETRIEVE ANY ITEM.... JUST REPORT IT TO US *.

If in a group and a friend intends to interfere with life safety equipment discourage them and explain this equipments importance.

Age does not prevent you from doing good and being an active member within your community.

Help us to keep your family and friends safe!