The Leaping Frogs connecting social care through music

A harmonica picked up by a social-care leader in the pandemic has grown into a band, a community and a movement helping people connect through music.

The Leaping Frogs was formed by colleagues at Future Directions CIC, an organisation that works with adults with complex needs, based in Oldham.   

The band has reached the final of Care Sector's Got Talent after three years of performing at festivals, community events and social-care conferences.  

The annual competition is run by Championing Social Care to celebrate the talent, creativity and personality of people working across social care. 

The band will now perform their popular blues, original songs and crowd favourites in front of an audience of 500 people at the Grand Final at Care Show Birmingham at the NEC Birmingham this Wednesday, October 7. The winner of the competition will receive a £5,000 cash prize. 

The trio began playing together in 2023 after Paula Braynion, Managing Director of Future Directions, took up the harmonica during covid in 2020.  

She was joined by Kevin Phoenix, the organisation’s Music and Activity Lead, on guitar and vocals, and Lorraine Chapman, Deputy Business Development Manager, on bass and vocals. What began as a bit of fun has grown into something much bigger. 

Lorraine said: “It started out as the three of us, but it has become a social musical movement. Other people are involved and feel part of it and that makes such a difference to us as a band. 

“People come away feeling better and uplifted. Music doesn’t require someone to be able to verbalise what it means to them. They just feel it. It allows communication without words and it allows people to connect.” 

At a recent performance at the Empire in Rochdale, people supported by Future Directions, including wheelchair users and people with complex support needs, danced alongside members of the public who had never met them before. 

“People didn’t see the differences. They just saw what connected them. They were dancing together through the music. That’s what we hope the Leaping Frogs achieves – joy and connection through music.” 

The band is often joined by Jeanette, who is supported by Future Directions. She signs along to the music in her own unique way.  

“Jeanette loves to be part of something bigger than herself,” said Lorraine. “When she is there with the band, it is like she stands three feet taller. It makes such a difference.”  

Stuart, who is the organisation's Social Media Lead and also someone with lived experience will be joining Janette on the night and sharing his own unique dance style. 

On the night itself, the Leaping Frogs will also be joined on stage by their very own Dance Crew made up of people supported by Future Directions and their support team. 

The Leaping Frogs are now expecting 71 supporters to cheer them on in Birmingham. “We are super excited and a little terrified,” said Lorraine. “You can’t really hide when there are only three of you. But it has been a real journey for all of us, growing together as musicians and becoming more confident about putting ourselves out there.” 

Angela Boxall, Co-Chair of Care Sector’s Got Talent, added: “Care Sector’s Got Talent is all about celebrating the people behind social care and showing the hidden talents, passions, humour and individuality that exist across our sector. The Leaping Frogs show how music can create connection, confidence and joy far beyond the stage, and I can’t wait to see them perform live.” 

Tickets to the live final are free via Eventbrite, with places limited to 500. For those unable to attend in person, the full final will be broadcast on the Care Sector’s Got Talent YouTube channel on Friday, October 9 at 2.30pm, giving care homes and organisations across the UK the opportunity to watch together.