Camden man turns life around after prison book club

Omar Mentesh, a former inmate who grew up on Camden's Maiden Lane Estate, has transformed his life after spending nearly two decades cycling in and out of prison. His journey, which began with a childhood accident and early brushes with crime, has led him to establish a company focused on prisoner rehabilitation and to champion literacy initiatives.

Early life and influences

Mentesh's early life was marked by a serious accident at the age of five. While playing near train tracks on the Maiden Lane Estate, he suffered an electric shock that resulted in severe injuries to his hands and speech difficulties. The incident led to him falling behind at school, feeling ostracised, and eventually disengaging from education. His older brothers' involvement in crime also influenced him, leading to his first prison sentence at 15.

Finding a path through reading

It was during his incarceration at Feltham Young Offender Institution that Mentesh discovered the power of reading. A copy of Jack Higgins's novel 'The Eagle Has Landed' became a turning point, offering him an escape and a new perspective. Although he did not have an immediate epiphany, the appreciation for reading he developed laid the groundwork for future change. He continued to read during subsequent prison sentences, using the time to build his education and personal development.

Following his final release in 2017, Mentesh, then in his 30s and homeless, used the educational foundation he had built in prison to pursue further studies. He attended college and later Queen Mary University, where he earned a degree in business management. This academic achievement paved the way for job placements and work with charities.

Rehabilitation and advocacy

Mentesh is now the founder of Anabranch, a company designed to support the rehabilitation of prisoners. The company's name reflects his own journey of being removed from society and later reintegrated. Alongside his entrepreneurial work, he is a dedicated advocate for literacy programmes, collaborating with charities to promote reading among various groups. His story is featured in Queen Camilla's BBC documentary, 'The Book That Changed My Life', highlighting the profound impact reading can have on an individual's life.