Derrylin man Joe Blake, an independent researcher, is carrying out an important project for Healing Through Remembering (HTR).

To do this, Mr Blake is assessing the Day of Private Reflection held on 21 June this year and considering if future similar days should be held.

HTR, the cross-community organisation that focuses on ways of dealing with the past conflict in and about Northern Ireland, initiated the 'Day' after taking account of local and international research.

Mr Blake, who heads his own Belfast-based company, Joe Blake Associates, explained: "The aim of my evaluation process is to assess if many people were aware of the 'Day' and, if so, how they responded to it.

"I've met a broad spectrum of people in rural and urban areas throughout Northern Ireland. They include representatives of community groups, churches, ethnic minorities and ex-prisoners' groups. I've also spoken with staff in primary and secondary schools and higher education colleges, and members of the Healing Through Remembering sub-group involved in organising the Day."

Mr Blake was educated at St Michael's College in Enniskillen and later obtained a degree in English from the University of Ulster, and a diploma in social work from University College Cardiff. He and his wife, Janet have a son, Gavin (16).

Mr Blake added: "It is too early to draw final conclusions about the Day of Private Reflection, because my evaluation won't be completed until December, but I've certainly been very impressed by the work put into organising the first 'Day' by the Healing Through Remembering team and the various other groups and individuals who became involved."

Mr Blake has carried out assignments for a number of groups and organisations, including the Department of Health and Social Services and Co-operation Ireland. He is a member of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.

He is also the Northern Ireland representative of Comic Relief, assessing which organisations should get funding from the charity.