New Funeral Director with background in helping people in difficult situations joins local business

A Funeral Director is looking forward to becoming an integral part of the local community having recently joined an established and respected business.

Ben McCutcheon, 38, has spent his working life helping people and is now putting his skills to use as part of the team at Elizabeth Way and Company Funeral Directors, based in Stamford Street, Mossley, which has been helping local families for more than 15 years.

As a professionally trained chef, Ben has previously run the kitchen at a women’s prison and has used his knowledge of the food industry to help ex-offenders move into the sector at the end of their prison term.

He has also worked with children in care, and with people who have mental health issues.

Ben’s first foray into the funeral industry came during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and he is now delighted to be back, believing he has found his true calling.

“All my previous jobs have been working with people who have found themselves in difficult situations,” Ben said.

“Those experiences have helped give me the skills which work well in funerals and helping people when they are grieving.

“Like most people, my family and I have suffered bereavements and we have always dealt with very good Funeral Directors, so I know how they can take the pressure off people.

“I like to think I am very resilient and can stay level-headed when people are sharing their difficult experiences and I am committed to treating everyone exactly how I’d like to be treated.”

Ben is working alongside established Funeral Director Pauline Lawrence and said he is hoping they can help local people with other community activities as well as their bereavements.

“Funeral directors can be a big part of the community, and there are still misconceptions about what we do, but I like to think that I, and everyone else here, are friendly and approachable,” he said.

Outside of work, Ben, who is married with a three-year-old son, returns to his culinary roots and enjoys baking and hosting barbecues.

He also enjoys music including playing the guitar, learning how to play the drums, and attending live events.

“I’ve got quite a musical ear, and often find myself listening to music which families have chosen for funeral services,” he added.

For more information about Elizabeth Way, please visit: https://www.elizabeth-way.co.uk/

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