A city initiative aimed to break down stigma and urge people to speak compassionately about mental health issues
10:11, 15 Oct 2025Updated 10:12, 15 Oct 2025
From left: Leon McQuade, co-founder and chief AI officer at Think Cloud; Paul Longley, founder of Think Mental Health; Joanne Brent, senior adjudicator at Guinness World Records; Jon Allanson, director regional regulatory and commercial quality operations at Smith + Nephew; and Kirstie Cawley, director of marketing and communications at Hull College.(Image: Hull College)
A group of Hull educators and businesses have set a new Guinness World Record marking World Mental Health Day. Hull College was joined by medical equipment giant Smith + Nephew, employee wellbeing experts Think Mental Health, and IT specialists Think Cloud in setting a world record for for the most users in a mental health awareness video lesson.
The lesson made it into the record books with 916 verified participants and more than 1,400 people involved at one point during the live session. That came in well above the 770 of the previous record, as reported by Hull Live.
Staff and students from Hull College were joined by staff from Smith + Nephew and Think Cloud, along with others tuning in from across the world, including from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, India, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, China, Poland, and more. Together they reflected on mental health, sharing learning and talking about raised awareness, challenging stigmas and inspiring action.
The achievement has now been officially recognised by Guinness World Records which the college says marks a “proud milestone for Hull and everyone involved”. The initiative was intended to raise awareness of mental health and emphasis the importance of looking after one another, and encouraging people to speak openly and compassionately about wellbeing.
Hull College CEO and Principal Debra Gray.(Image: Hull College)
Debra Gray, Hull College principal and CEO, said: “We are incredibly proud that this world record was set right here in Hull. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when education, business, and the community come together with a shared purpose. Mental health matters to all of us, and this initiative highlights how powerful collective action can be in creating positive change. To see Hull at the centre of a global event like this is truly inspiring.”
Paul Longley, founder of Think Mental Health, added: “This record is more than just a number – it’s a message to the world. When we come together to talk about mental health, we break down barriers and show that no one has to face their struggles alone. Seeing people join from across the world, united by one goal, was an incredibly proud moment for Hull and for myself personally.”
Jon Allanson, director regional regulatory and commercial quality operations at Smith + Nephew, said: “At Smith + Nephew, we are deeply committed to supporting health and wellbeing in every sense. Being part of this record-breaking event, led from our home city, reflects the spirit of innovation, care, and collaboration that defines Hull. It’s fantastic to see our community leading the way on such an important global issue and just goes to show how much we can achieve when we all pull together.”
The event was hosted online and supported by Hull-based technology specialists Think Cloud as technology partners. Think Mental Health led the initiative with Hull College as the event’s education partner and Smith + Nephew supported the initiative as headline sponsor, underlining its commitment to health and wellbeing in Hull and beyond.