I’m Mirka Marri and I am a Community Connector for Active Essex in West Essex.

I am passionate in encouraging and supporting people to be more active, especially as it is essential for one’s health and wellbeing. For me this has been made evident during the pandemic, whereby we have all experienced periods of isolation and loneliness. This job excites me as I feel I can inspire people to try activities which perhaps they were not aware were in West Essex.

In the campaign ‘Find Your Active’ there are multiple ideas for activities and sports. I believe that it is so important for individuals to participate in an activity which they enjoy as it is more likely that they will undertake it regularly. It doesn’t matter your ability level; we can all do something to be more mobile. I will find an activity suitable for you.

My own personal journey with maintaining my health after being diagnosed with a condition, has spurred me on to cherish my health as gift and not to be taken for granted. In my quest to get fit I have been able to access a variety of activities, which have been both beneficial to build interactions with like-minded people in the local community. I have participated in Zumba, yoga, Pilates, bootcamp both outdoor and on line, undertaken Tai Chi in a local park, swimming in a sports centre, and I love to take regular walks alone or with walking groups in Epping Forest which allows me to enjoy the breath-taking nature on our doorsteps.

It is my role to help you find activities which interest you and I hope to get more people in West Essex to tap into the fantastic activities which are already helping so many.  Whatever you feel you would like to try, I am here to participate and connect the community to have fun! We can all learn together.

We look forward to seeing Mirka’s involvement within her community and how she can help support those around her into getting active.