Clive’s journey with Voice began almost serendipitously. “I retired in 2016,” he says, recalling how he initially had no concrete plans but a desire to stay engaged. It was during this period that he stumbled upon Voice. “I had a look and thought, oh, this makes sense” Clive started small, receiving weekly emails with opportunities and gradually getting more involved. One of his early experiences was a project related to Newcastle Central Station. “I found myself thinking, because of what I’ve learned, I can get things from this, and it can open doors that previously I hadn’t even thought about opening.” 

For Clive, Voice was more than just a way to stay active; it became a platform for learning and growth. He speaks passionately about the diverse opportunities that Voice offers, emphasising the importance of variety. “It’s important that there’s a wide range of opportunities that will attract the attention of different people,” Clive explains. He values the inclusive nature of the Voice community, noting that Voice makes everything available to everyone, allowing members to explore new interests and expand their horizons. 

One particularly memorable project for Clive involved a companion robot called Gita. Initially skeptical, he questioned its practicality, thinking, “It was this plastic blob that followed us around… what’s it going to do for me? How can anybody use this in a practical sense?” But as the project unfolded, Clive found the experience unexpectedly fun. It even led to an amusing interaction with two young boys who were fascinated by the robot. “I talked to two young lads that I would never, ever have spoken to before,” Clive recalls, illustrating how Voice’s projects often spark surprising social interactions. 

While working on the Gita project, Clive’s world took an unexpected turn. “I suddenly got a message from someone saying, ‘Hey, did you see? You’re in The Times today!’ I was completely baffled,” he says, still sounding a bit amazed. “I had never been featured in The Times before, so naturally, I had to check it out. I found the article online, shared it on my social media, and suddenly, people I knew were sharing it too. I even reconnected with people I hadn’t spoken to for months.” 

Clive chuckles as he remembers how surreal the experience was. “It didn’t stop there, though. Not long after, I got another call, this time asking if I wanted to go down to Leeds with a companion robot to be on McGovern’s Pop Lunch TV magazine program. It’s live every day at 12:00. I thought, ‘Me? On live television? I’ll have some of that. Definitely!’ So I went down there. The whole thing was such a rush. I met people, did things I never imagined I would, all thanks to a tweet. It was an amazing experience, but of course, you can’t do that all day.” 

This sense of connection, both within the Voice community and beyond, is something Clive treasures. “There is a sense of community among Voice members,” he says. Over the years, he has made friends and built relationships through the various projects and events he has participated in. Clive also values the opportunities to contribute to something larger than himself. “One of the things about Voice is that it has given me an opportunity in my head to contribute to different things,” he reflects. This sense of purpose, he believes, is crucial for living a fulfilling life, especially as one gets older.  

When asked about the importance of having a clear life goal, Clive’s answer is straightforward: “Yes, it contributes to a longer and more fulfilling life.” But he is quick to add that purpose is not a one-size-fits-all concept. “As a young person starting off, you do think about career… but as you get older, the goals in life and the focus have to change.” For Clive, the key is to keep learning, growing, and contributing, no matter your age. “I want to do things beyond that. I want to go out and experience different things.” 

Clive’s involvement with Voice has also opened doors to projects beyond the local community. He speaks with pride about his participation in the Finch Project at Imperial College, which focuses on making healthy food affordable. “I thought if I can get involved in this, I can talk about food poverty because it was clear the whole idea was very academic-based,” he explains. Through this project, Clive has been able to bring a practical perspective to an academic initiative, once again highlighting the value of real-world experience in shaping innovative solutions. 

Ultimately, Clive’s journey with Voice is a testament to the power of purpose in later life. “In the Northeast, life expectancy is one of the lowest in the country,” he notes, emphasising the importance of engaging the mind and being part of a community. For Clive, Voice is more than just a community; it’s a lifeline that keeps him active, engaged, and connected to others. “If you engage your mind, it helps. It just makes things better.” 

Through his experiences, Clive shows how staying involved and having a clear purpose can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. His story is a reminder that, no matter our age, we all have something valuable to contribute to – and that purpose is a journey, not a destination.