Brussels, 19/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - At its first meeting since the new European Parliament took office, the Interest Group on Mental Health, Well-being and Brain Disorders presented two research projects on the social integration of people with mental health problems on Wednesday 19 November. The first, a patient survey carried out by GAMIAN-Europe, demonstrates that effective treatment and programmes are needed to help people with mental health problems to find or hold on to a job. It notes, however, that it is very difficult for these people to get (back) into work. The second research initiative, undertaken by The Economist Intelligence Unit, explores the challenges of integrating Europeans with mental illness into society and employment and ranks the 28 member states plus Norway and Switzerland according to their degree of commitment to support those living with mental illness. It concludes that, while there are many examples of good practice across Europe, the whole region has a long way to go before sufferers are adequately supported. Nessa Childers (S&D, Ireland), joint chair of the interest group, said after the meeting: “Our interest group provides the right platform to exchange views and initiate policy action to make sure that mental health and well-being are placed at the core of EU action in health”. (IL)