New play about neurodivergence donates show proceeds to ADHD & suicide charity

Play exploring neurodivergence raises funds for Yorkshire charity working to break the link between ADHD and suicide

A play exploring the lived experiences of neurodivergent people has raised £875 for the Henry Grierson ADHD & Mental Health Foundation, a Yorkshire charity working to support young people with ADHD and their families.

All proceeds from And Now For Something Completely Divergent - which ran for four performances this September at the Halifax Playhouse Bar Studio and at Fire & Water - were donated to the Foundation.

Playwright Leila Jones was inspired by the themes she saw in her work as a counsellor and the experiences of people close to her.

Her friend Patrick Higgins, who has ADHD, was a particular source of inspiration and performed in the play alongside other neurodivergent actors.

The Henry Grierson Foundation was set up by Dr Ruth Grierson in memory of her son Henry, who died by suicide in April 2024 aged 17, following years of ADHD-related struggle. The funds raised by the play will go towards the charity’s work in supporting young people, improving understanding of ADHD, and campaigning for earlier, better mental health support.

Leila’s own family experiences also informed her work. With a 16-year-old son currently on the ADHD pathway, she met with Henry’s parents Dr Ruth and Chad Grierson to share their sons’ school experiences. Their conversation helped to shape the play’s exploration of the challenges young people can face.

Leila Jones says, “It’s been the biggest pleasure of my life working with my four talented actors, using the incredible power of theatre to try to communicate themes and stories. And getting to know Ruth and more about the Foundation has only inspired me further.

“I am so proud to be associated with the charity and its work. Neurodivergence, what it is and what it means for those who are neurodivergent, needs to be shouted from the rooftops. Too many are suffering and too little is known about it.”

Dr Ruth Grierson adds: “Leila has created something really special with And Now For Something Completely Divergent, especially for the families of neurodivergent people. She has managed to capture the highs and lows of neurodivergent life with honesty and humour, giving audiences an opportunity to better understand something that is often misunderstood.

“It is so important to share the experiences of neurodivergent people, and for others to take the time to listen. We are very grateful to Leila and the actors for bringing this to the stage, and for donating the proceeds to the Foundation. Her generosity helps us to share Henry’s story and continue his legacy, so that we can continue to work for neurodivergent boys and young men to get the support they need.”

Plans are now underway to bring And Now For Something Completely Divergent into Yorkshire schools as part of a peer mentoring pilot by The Henry Grierson Foundation later this term.