I spent my days in Dubrovnik checking out the old town, enjoying the sea (while at the same time hiding from the sun!) and taking in the cultural experiences on offer thanks to the 74th summer festival that was on! The place was heaving with groups of people in summer vacation mode so an overall lightness in the air despite the blistering heat! A few weeks ago in London, caught up with @jacquecrock and learnt about her volunteer work with @age_uk. She befriends lonely seniors in need of companionship and support.  Hearing about her experiences, it struck me how similar the challenges of social isolation can be for both seniors and individuals with disabilities. While looking at orgs that work in Dubrovnik, I chanced upon a new chapter opening of the @bestbuddies programme there. The parallels between the conversations with Jacqueline and how the program was talked about were remarkable, reinforcing the role of the ‘buddies’ in building genuine connections, especially for those whose social constraints make it difficult to do so naturally and effortlessly. Best Buddies is a global organization that promotes inclusivity by organizing activities and outings to encourage neurodivergent people to engage with the larger community, break barriers, and foster a sense of belonging. Their programme creates an environment where volunteers, like Jacqueline, act as mentors, friends, and advocates for PwIDDs.