Sinbad’s Story

Sinbad, now a trusted mentor at TempusNovo, once served a five-year sentence at HMP Leeds. At that time, he made a personal commitment: this would be his last prison sentence.

Raised in the care system, Sinbad endured trauma, racism, and institutional neglect. Yet instead of continuing in a cycle of reoffending, he rebuilt his life. Today, he draws on his lived experience to guide others through the very same barriers he once faced.

What makes his story even more powerful is the relationship he now shares with TempusNovo’s co-founders—both of whom were senior officers at HMP Leeds and once responsible for locking him up. Their journeys have converged in an extraordinary way, built on mutual respect and a commitment to change.

Sinbad’s ability to connect with participants—many of whom are distrustful of authority or lacking positive role models—is transformational. He inspires belief, provides practical support, and exemplifies what successful rehabilitation looks like.

His journey underscores the value of programmes that integrate lived experience into service delivery. Supporting mentors like Sinbad is not only compassionate—it’s proven to be effective in breaking the cycle of reoffending.