New women-only clinics, which helped survivors escape domestic abuse, have been "overwhelmingly positive", a health leader said.

The service in Colchester also offered one-to-one support for those struggling with substance misuse in north-east Essex.

It was launched by the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) to give counselling, advice and relapse prevention.

Gareth Thomason, who has been involved in the scheme, said many women felt "safer" as a result of the care.

Essex Specialist Treatment and Recovery Service (STaRS) worked with Open Road and Next Chapter to host the fortnightly clinics.

They have been staffed by female healthcare professionals where possible in a supported living unit for women.

STaRS manager Mr Thomason said: "Feedback from the women's clinic has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Many of the women who use the clinic have experiences of domestic abuse, and they have told us that they feel safer in a separate, female-only location."

He added STaRS planned to develop further clinics for homelessness, drug and alcohol support.