Last week, Katherine High School students were treated to workshops run by Indigenous Hip Hop Projects, an initiative of national youth mental health foundation, headspace. 

Young Territorians in communities including Rockhole, Beswick and Belyuen, were also given the chance to tell their stories through music and dance. 

The joint initiative culminated in the production of a music video, which positively promoted mental health.

Each hip hop workshop was coupled with the message that there is no shame in talking about mental health and wellbeing.

The workshops also encouraged young people to access counselling services and mental health services whenever they were in need.

Sarah Sheill, headspace community relations manager, said the only rule for the children who took part in the workshops was there was no shame in self-expression.

“If you don’t get it first go, it doesn’t mean you’re the worst dancer in the world, it just means you’ve got to keep trying,” she said.

In Beswick on Monday, children joined forces with 2014 Triple J Unearther winner Philly and Aiden Lindsay and Major Kennedy, part of local outfit Billabong Boys, to create a tune unique to them.

“The kids have been great and it sends a real positive message,” Philly explained.