Irish Theatre Group has donated part of the proceeds from two recent productions in Brussels to the CHS Helpline. Both plays tackled themes of suicide and mental health with honesty, humour, and empathy. With World Suicide Prevention Day coming up on September 10, it is timely to report how ITG has used the stage to highlight these issues while also giving practical support to the Helpline.
CHS is very grateful to ITG for this contribution. It comes at a time when our 24/7 Helpline is receiving more calls than ever from people struggling with suicidal thoughts: over 20% more in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year. The fact that both of ITG’s recent productions engaged directly with these themes makes their support especially meaningful. It’s a reminder of how the arts can spark conversation, break down stigma, and reach people who may be struggling.
Jump!, staged in October last year, is set on New Year’s Eve in a near-empty bar where an unlikely mix of characters cross paths: two hit men with a job to do, and three young women waiting for a fourth to arrive. Their missing friend is one of two strangers who have chosen the same bridge as the place to end their lives. Written by Lisa McGee (best known for Derry Girls), Jump! blends dark comedy with humanity, exploring isolation, friendship, and the consequences of chance encounters.
In March this year, ITG followed up with Stones in His Pockets, Marie Jones’s award-winning play about two extras on a Hollywood film shoot in rural Ireland. While full of energy and humour, the play also carries a strong message about loss, resilience, and the pressures people face when hope feels out of reach.
Both productions, written by Northern Irish playwrights, showed how theatre can take on tough subjects while still making audiences laugh and reflect together. The fact that both sold out – with extra performances added – underlined how much these stories resonated with audiences in Brussels.
For CHS, ITG’s support is about more than just the donation. It’s a sign of solidarity with people who may feel isolated or overwhelmed, and a reminder that creativity and compassion can go hand in hand. With the backing of groups like ITG, we can keep the Helpline open around the clock, ready to listen when someone needs to talk.