Resources from 'Spanner in the Works?'

Developed by Healthy Male in partnership with the Australian Men’s Shed Association, Spanner in the Works? is a nationally recognised men’s health initiative designed to make health conversations approachable and engaging. The program uses a car-maintenance metaphor to encourage men to take charge of their physical and mental health at every stage of life.

The accompanying booklet, Your Road Map to Good Health, provides a clear, age-based health check guide from the 20s through to the 70s and beyond. It outlines key 'DIY maintenance' steps men can take, as well as 'service checks' to discuss with a GP, such as:

- Heart, lung, and prostate health checks.
- Mental health and relationships support.
- Healthy lifestyle habits for nutrition, exercise and sleep.
- Screenings for diabetes, bowel and skin cancer.
- Sexual and reproductive health awareness.

Each section uses relatable mechanical analogies — like checking your 'fuel lines' for heart health or 'oil pressure' for blood pressure — to make complex health information easy to understand and act on. The booklet concludes with a comprehensive list of national support services and health organisations to guide men toward professional help when needed.

Spanner in the Works? offers a powerful engagement tool to promote preventive health conversations, reduce stigma and improve health outcomes among men — particularly in rural and community settings.