People are coming together in tribute to inspiring youth worker Paul Kincade, who died earlier this year.
Paul died aged 64 in January and is fondly remembered by the LIverpool 8 community and people across the city, young and old alike.
Three memorial activity days have been arranged and named in his honour by Mersey Play Action Council (MPAC) and supported by his family.
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Paul was a youth worker and mentor to many, and has engaged and inspired many young people all over the city region with his youth centre work, workshops dealing with creativity in music, arts and drama as well as health and well-being.
The first of these events was held in Princes Park last week, only a few minutes walk from the Methodist Youth Centre, which brought him to the city to continue what can be said was his calling to help young people prosper and realise their potential.
The second was held in Rice Lane City Farm, Walton and the third will be in Garston Park on Wednesday, August 18 August from 1pm - 3pm, with free activities and live performances.
Carrying out this role as community reporter I can say honestly that Paul, and a handful of other youth workers, if not for them I would not be in a position to write this tribute to him, due to his guidance in particular.
Paul first came to Liverpool and took up the role of youth worker in 1987 in the Methodist Centre, Beaconsfield Street.
His daughter, gospel choir facilitator and singer Hayli said: "He secured a few jobs across the country but was attracted to Liverpool and the Methodist Centre as he was interviewed by the young people themselves."
Paul was all for the young people and always had a listening ear, was a great motivator and was a go to person for advice.
Hayli added: "Dad had a challenging childhood. He suffered a lot of mental and physical abuse as a child and was a homeless teen.
"His experiences along with racial discrimination shaped his sense of injustice and motivation to do good. He came from so little and achieved so much so he was a walking example to young people that you can overcome life’s obstacles."
Kevin McIntyre, the manager of MPAC said: "Paul understood the importance of children’s play and the transition from a child to a young person.
"His interest in the creative arts fostered a can do philosophy to his work with children and young people. He was a selfless individual who put the needs of others above his own and we loved him for it. If we can't honour people like Paul, who can we?"
The respect and admiration for Paul from his family, professionals and young people is a testament to his achievements in helping others.
Kevin added: "Paul was a role model. He was respected for his directness, his optimism and his hard work and he took care of a whole generation of children and young people he worked with."
Hayli said: "He always talked about the 3 Cs… 'Choices, Chances and Consequences'."
One of his more memorable sayings was, “If you always do what you always did, then you’ll always get what you always got."
Richard Braithwaite, a professional freestyler footballer AkA Mr Silky Skills, who worked alongside Paul as a youngster and had earlier attended the centre as a youth said: “Paul Kincade came along from London and totally changed up the whole centre...He maintained the respect from the youngest all the way to the eldest.”
He added: "I’m so grateful for him arriving here, because he just totally inspired me and gave me the encouragement to press on and become what I wanted to be."
Natalie Lenehan who also worked in the Methodist centre as a youth worker after attending as a youngster added: “Paul has left a legacy with his amazing work, and I along with many others, have been blessed to have either worked with Paul, known him personally or been mentored by him.
"I am privileged to have experienced all three. He was one of a kind, and he will be sadly missed.”
Natalie now uses the inspiration and knowledge gained from people like Paul, by working with young people and now works for Barnardos in a therapeutic residential setting, preparing young people to move back home, into foster care or supported living.
