Meet Tara our January One in a Million
Tara Whittle is a This Girl Can Essex ambassador and is an active member of the Harlow community engaging a variety of groups and workplaces.
A level 3 exercise referrer, Occupational and Holistic therapist, Tara provides a range of activities for anyone to enjoy through the creation of Roots to Wellbeing ‘non for profit’. Who are forming as a charity and offer activities that are inclusive and support individuals on their physical and mental health, empowerment and social inclusion.
Tara leads a variety of activities such as ‘Green Exercise’ which includes different sessions of Nordic Walking, Tai Chi for Health and stretches for different abilities. With local support, people have benefited aged 8 – 84 and the youngest was a 8.5 week baby in a papoose. 90% of the walkers who come have a disability, long term condition or are recovering from injury or mental health needs such as anxiety / low mood. The aim is to create a host of wellbeing, person centred activities, with the addition of other holistic sessions such as gong baths and creative therapy. A Gong Bath is a relaxation session and form of meditation that enables relaxation and supports participants mental and physical wellbeing.
Nordic walking is with support from specially designed poles, a technique that was developed in Finland as a fully body workout. The poles are used alongside an ergonomic technique that supports the body to be move effectively and enables the upper body and core muscles to be engaged and support the lower body. Tara’s walks are inclusive for all ages and abilities and currently has had over 215 participants attend her walks.
Tara said: “it is far more than ‘just walking’ and is a great inclusive activity for improved wellbeing, increased muscle tone and for an increased awareness of the body and mental clarity. We combine with mindful stretches and an awareness of the Essex Countryside”
Courtenay Mosley, Active Essex Assistant Relationship Manager for West Essex said: “Tara passionately promotes the 5 ways to wellbeing and is very supportive to anyone who wants to try physical activity. Her enthusiasm, positivity and passion to help the local community has made her a friendly face in the Harlow community.”
